Reaching the century mark in fashion is a milestone worth celebrating for Fendi.
The Italian fashion house marked its 100th anniversary in grand style during Milan Fashion Week, hosting an extravagant show that attracted a star-studded audience including iconic figures such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Elizabeth Olsen, and Naomi Ackie. The occasion was not just a celebration of a century in fashion but also highlighted the lineage of the Fendi family, with five generations since its founding in 1925.
The Fendi celebration kicked off with an emotional nod to its origins. The show commenced with two young children, Dardo and Tazio, who represent the newest generation of Fendis, symbolically opening the grand doors of a meticulously recreated version of the original Fendi salons. From the very first look that graced the runway, it was evident that Fendi’s deep-rooted Roman heritage remained at the forefront of its designs.
Getty Images Fendi’s centennial show was a beautiful ode to its past, featuring an array of impeccably styled ensembles. Models sported coordinate looks that showcased exquisite craftsmanship in materials such as embellished tweed, leopard print, and chevron leather.
The focus on texture was palpable, with elements ranging from delicate quilting to luxurious crystal embroideries. The nostalgia of Fendi’s early flapper days surfaced frequently throughout the collection, especially in the drop-waisted, intricately detailed dresses that transported spectators to the roaring twenties.
The runway showcased an age-diverse cast of models, highlighting the brand’s inclusive vision while featuring high-profile cameos from industry veterans like Karen Elson, Liya Kebede, Doutzen Kroes, Carolyn Murphy, and Adriana Lima. The revival of beloved accessories such as the Spy bag—once a favorite in the mid-aughts—brought a sense of nostalgia, alongside refreshing re-imaginings of the classic Baguette and Peekaboo bags. Audiences were also introduced to the new Giano style, further expanding Fendi’s timeless accessory portfolio.
Launchmetrics.com/spotlight In an impressive show of artistry, Delfina Delettrez Fendi curated a collection of elaborate jewelry that redefined the concept of a “statement piece.” The intricate earrings, necklaces, and bracelets served as a delightful extension of the collections displayed on the runway. Perhaps the most talked-about innovation during this spectacular event was the introduction of charming doll accessories, which emerged as a playful evolution of last season’s bag charms — which means at the ripe age of 100, Fendi still proves that creativity and whimsical elements have a permanent place in fashion.
Launchmetrics.com/spotlight “Fendi reminds me of the future,” Fendi’s artistic director of accessories and menswear, Silvia Venturini Fendi, said in the show notes. “I didn’t want to spend too much time dwelling on the physical archives. For me, Fendi 100 is more about my personal memories—real or imagined—of what Fendi was and what Fendi means today.”
Fendi’s centennial celebration at Milan Fashion Week was not merely a tribute to its rich heritage but also a bold statement about its future in the ever-evolving world of fashion. With a masterful fusion of past and present, Fendi honored its legacy and also captivated a new generation of fans.
Photo: Getty Images
