Fendi is an iconic luxury fashion house with a rich history and a strong global presence. Known for its craftsmanship, innovative designs, and Italian heritage, Fendi has made a significant impact on the fashion industry. Here are 20 things South Africans should know about Fendi:
1. Founded in Rome in 1925
Fendi was established by Edoardo and Adele Fendi in 1925 as a small boutique in Rome, specializing in leather goods and fur. It has since grown into one of the most renowned luxury fashion brands in the world.
2. Family Business
Fendi began as a family-owned business, with the founders’ five daughters—Paola, Anna, Franca, Carla, and Alda—eventually taking over the brand’s operations. They expanded its global reach and contributed to its success.
3. Famous for Furs
From its inception, Fendi has been synonymous with fur. The brand revolutionized fur fashion with modern and innovative designs, transforming it from a functional material into a glamorous fashion statement.
4. Karl Lagerfeld’s Influence
In 1965, Fendi hired Karl Lagerfeld as its creative director. He remained with the brand until his death in 2019, designing the iconic double “F” logo and creating groundbreaking collections that elevated Fendi’s status in the fashion world.
5. The Double F Logo
The iconic “FF” logo, created by Karl Lagerfeld, stands for “Fun Fur.” This logo became a recognizable symbol of Fendi’s playful yet luxurious identity and has been used in various collections, from clothing to accessories.
6. The Baguette Bag
Introduced in 1997, the Fendi Baguette bag is one of the most iconic designer handbags in fashion history. Named after the French bread, it is designed to be carried under the arm. This bag became a fashion must-have, popularized in part by its appearance in Sex and the City.
7. Innovative Leather Goods
Beyond fur, Fendi is known for its exquisite leather craftsmanship. The brand produces a wide range of luxury handbags, shoes, and accessories, crafted with high-quality leather and unique designs.
8. Part of LVMH
In 2001, Fendi became part of the LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton group, the world’s largest luxury goods conglomerate. This partnership further solidified Fendi’s global presence and influence in the luxury market.
9. Peekaboo Bag
The Fendi Peekaboo, launched in 2008, is another of the brand’s iconic handbags. Its structured, minimalist design with a “peekaboo” feature—where the inside of the bag is exposed—has made it a favorite among fashionistas worldwide.
10. Fendi’s Ready-to-Wear Collections
While Fendi is famous for its accessories, it also produces high-end ready-to-wear collections for both men and women. These collections often feature the brand’s signature use of fur, leather, and bold designs.
11. Silvia Venturini Fendi
Silvia Venturini Fendi, a third-generation family member, has played a crucial role in the brand’s success. She is the creative mind behind many of Fendi’s iconic accessories, including the Baguette and Peekaboo bags. In 2019, she became the artistic director of the brand’s womenswear collection after Karl Lagerfeld’s passing.
12. Innovative Fashion Shows
Fendi is known for its extravagant fashion shows, which often take place in unique locations. One of the most memorable was the 2016 Haute Couture show, held on a transparent runway over the Trevi Fountain in Rome, to celebrate the brand’s 90th anniversary.
13. Craftsmanship and Artisanship
Fendi is celebrated for its meticulous craftsmanship. The brand works with highly skilled artisans who handcraft its products with extraordinary attention to detail, especially in fur and leather goods.
14. Fendi Casa
The brand expanded into home decor with Fendi Casa, a line of luxury furniture and interior accessories. This allows fashion enthusiasts to incorporate Fendi’s sophisticated aesthetic into their living spaces.
15. The “Selleria” Line
Fendi’s “Selleria” line, which launched in the late 1990s, is a collection of handmade bags and accessories using traditional Roman leatherworking techniques. Each item is stitched by hand, making every piece unique.
16. The Collaboration with Nicki Minaj
Fendi has collaborated with global music sensation Nicki Minaj on a limited-edition collection, “Fendi Prints On,” in 2019. The bold, vibrant line was inspired by Minaj’s unique style and incorporated Fendi’s classic designs with a modern twist.
17. Focus on Sustainability
In recent years, Fendi has made efforts to promote sustainability in its production processes. The brand has embraced eco-friendly practices, including using sustainable materials in its collections and limiting waste.
18. Fendi’s Influence on Pop Culture
Fendi’s designs, especially its bags and furs, have become staples in pop culture, frequently appearing in films, TV shows, and music videos. Celebrities such as Beyoncé, Kendall Jenner, and Sarah Jessica Parker have been spotted wearing Fendi designs.
19. The Fendi Fur Atelier
Fendi’s Fur Atelier, located in Rome, is a workshop dedicated to the creation and innovation of fur products. The atelier employs skilled artisans who combine traditional techniques with modern technology to create one-of-a-kind pieces.
20. Fendi and Architecture
Fendi has shown an interest in architecture and art. In 2015, the brand moved its headquarters to the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana in Rome, an architectural masterpiece known as “The Square Colosseum.” Fendi has since restored the building, merging fashion with cultural heritage.
Fendi is a brand that seamlessly blends Italian craftsmanship with innovative design, making it a standout in the world of luxury fashion. From iconic handbags to fur mastery, Fendi continues to influence the global fashion scene, and its appeal extends far beyond Europe, captivating fashion lovers in South Africa and across the globe.
