Fendi has long been a reigning fashion calendar highlight, but this year shone a special spotlight on its runway show as the House celebrates its centennial. In Milan, the Fall/Winter 2025 collection came together in a masterful interplay of heritage and modernity, orchestrated within the newly unveiled Spazio FENDI in the Italian capital. The luxuriate’s past and future intertwined as Silvia Venturini Fendi honoured five generations of craftsmanship, memory, and Roman grandeur.
The show opened with a sweet nod to history. Seven-year-old twins Dardo and Tazio—grandsons of Silvia Venturini Fendi—pushed open the grand wooden doors, wearing miniature equestrian ensembles designed by Karl Lagerfeld in 1967, once worn by a young Silvia herself. The poignant moment reflected a passing of the torch before models emerged to unveil a collection that captured the refined opulence of Italian savoir-faire.
Fendi’s sartorial legacy was reimagined with sensuality, contrast and a touch of the surreal. Textures played tricks on the eye—shearlings mimicked the opulence of fox and mink, but were crafted with cutting-edge techniques. Bodies were cinched into hourglass silhouettes with accessories and feminine tailoring, while flounced jackets and marbled plissé dresses exuded weightless elegance. The colour palette mirrored the Roman skyline at dusk—deep greens, smoky blues, and rich terracottas gave way to sunset-esque hues of cinnamon, bubblegum, and scarlet.
Outerwear, a staple of the House’s offering throughout the decades, took centre stage. From opera-ready raw-cut menswear coats to satin-reversed blazers and oversized lambskin trenches, there was no shortage of innovation and luxury in this space. The iconic Fendi shearling stole reemerged, layered over gem-toned cardigans and diaphanous blouses, effortlessly bridging luxury with a sense of contemporary ease.
Accessories have always been a key draw of Fendi, and this season was a feast for fans. The new Fendi Giano bag, a sculptural ‘click-clack’ purse, besotted guests, while the beloved Spy Bag made a comeback in sorbet-hued shearling. The Baguette and Peekaboo were reimagined in disco sequins and exotic leathers, highlighting their versatility. Delfina Delettrez Fendi’s jewellery shimmered with fluid movement—chandelier earrings, snake-chain collars, and sterling silver obelisks added a final touch of poetic decadence. Even after 100 years, Fendi still manages to surprise and delight while reinforcing the timeless allure of Roman style.
