Everything You Want to Know About Fendi

Fendi is more than just a luxury fashion house—it’s a global icon of Italian craftsmanship, innovation, and style. Founded in Rome in 1925, Fendi has become synonymous with bold elegance, unique creativity, and some of the most coveted handbags in the world. From the iconic Baguette to the legendary Karl Lagerfeld’s tenure, this guide explores everything you need to know about Fendi: its rich heritage, signature pieces, notable collaborations, and lasting impact on fashion.

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1. The Origins of Fendi: A Family Affair

Fendi was established in 1925 by Adele and Edoardo Fendi as a fur and leather shop on Via del Plebiscito in Rome. Their impeccable quality and craftsmanship quickly earned them a reputation among the city’s elite. What set Fendi apart was the fusion of traditional Italian craftsmanship with a forward-thinking approach to style.

After World War II, the founders’ five daughters—Paola, Anna, Franca, Carla, and Alda—took over the business, each bringing a unique strength to the table. Together, they transformed Fendi from a local business into an internationally recognized fashion house. This unity and familial legacy are still part of the Fendi identity today.

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2. Karl Lagerfeld and the FF Revolution

In 1965, Karl Lagerfeld joined Fendi as creative director for fur and women’s ready-to-wear. His arrival marked a turning point for the brand. Known for his fearless innovation and boundary-pushing designs, Lagerfeld introduced lighter, more versatile fur garments and turned fur into fashion rather than just function.

One of his most enduring contributions was the creation of the iconic "FF" logo, also known as “Fun Fur.” This logo, which was initially designed as a pattern for the lining of a coat, became a symbol of bold luxury and was later used on handbags, accessories, and clothing.

Lagerfeld remained at Fendi for over 50 years—an unprecedented tenure in the fashion world—and was instrumental in building the brand’s global recognition and avant-garde image.

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3. The Iconic Baguette Bag and Fendi’s Handbag Dynasty

In 1997, Silvia Venturini Fendi, the granddaughter of the founders and daughter of Anna Fendi, created the Baguette bag. This small, rectangular shoulder bag was designed to be tucked under the arm like a French baguette, hence the name.

Made famous by Sarah Jessica Parker in Sex and the City, the Baguette became an instant "It Bag" and a fashion phenomenon. It represented a shift in the way women approached handbags—not just as functional accessories, but as fashion statements.

Other iconic Fendi bags followed, including:

• Peekaboo (2009): Understated elegance with a structured frame and hidden compartments.

• By The Way (2014): A more modern, minimalist duffel silhouette.

• Kan I and Runaway bags: Trendy, youthful additions to Fendi’s portfolio.

Each handbag was crafted with impeccable detail and luxury materials, making Fendi a top player in the accessories game.

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4. Fashion Meets Innovation: The Art of Fur and Textiles

Fendi has long been known for reinventing fur—transforming it from a cold-weather staple into a canvas for creativity. Under Lagerfeld’s direction, the house developed new techniques like laser-cutting, dyeing, weaving, and feathering to give fur unprecedented lightness and versatility.

Fendi has also been a leader in textile innovation, blending traditional Italian techniques with cutting-edge design. This includes:

• Hand-sewn details and custom prints

• Experimentation with shearling, velvet, leather, and satin

• Collaborations with artists and artisans to push the boundaries of fashion and art

The house’s commitment to craftsmanship and experimentation has made it a benchmark for luxury fashion innovation.

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5. The Fendi Runway: Couture and Ready-to-Wear

While known for accessories and fur, Fendi also maintains a strong presence in ready-to-wear and haute couture.

Women’s Ready-to-Wear

Fendi’s women’s collections are characterized by their structured silhouettes, luxurious fabrics, and a playful blend of masculinity and femininity. From Lagerfeld’s futuristic aesthetics to Kim Jones’ more romantic, tailored approach, Fendi continues to evolve while maintaining its Roman soul.

Men’s Fashion

Silvia Venturini Fendi has led the men’s collections since 2000, offering sophisticated yet whimsical designs that cater to the modern gentleman. The menswear line reflects the brand’s commitment to tailoring and innovation.

Couture

Fendi debuted its Haute Fourrure collection in 2015 during Paris Haute Couture Week—a tribute to Lagerfeld’s 50th year with the brand. These couture collections spotlight Fendi’s unparalleled fur craftsmanship, blending tradition with artistry in true couture fashion.

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6. Fendi Under Kim Jones: The New Era

In 2020, Kim Jones was appointed as the artistic director for Fendi women’s haute couture, ready-to-wear, and fur collections, while Silvia Venturini Fendi continues to lead men’s and accessories.

Jones, also known for his work at Dior Men, brought a new dimension to Fendi by emphasizing fluidity, femininity, and romanticism. His debut Spring/Summer 2021 couture show featured supermodels like Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, and Bella Hadid, set against a backdrop of Virginia Woolf-inspired literature and sculpture.

Jones’ work has modernized Fendi while respecting its heritage, attracting a new generation of fashion lovers.

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7. Collaborations and Pop Culture Moments

Fendi has a rich history of collaborations that span art, design, and pop culture. Some notable ones include:

• Fendi x Versace (Fendace): A 2021 surprise collaboration with Versace that merged logos, aesthetics, and design elements.

• Fendi x Skims: A 2021 collaboration with Kim Kardashian’s shapewear brand, blending high fashion with body positivity.

• Fendi x Tiffany & Co.: A high-luxury collaboration featuring Tiffany-blue Baguette bags with sterling silver hardware.

• Fendi x Marc Jacobs: Part of the 25th Anniversary Baguette celebration, blending NYC streetwear with Roman flair.

Fendi’s embrace of pop culture, seen in shows like Sex and the City or on celebrities like Rihanna and Beyoncé, continues to solidify its status as a fashion mainstay.

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8. Fendi Casa and Lifestyle Branding

In addition to fashion, Fendi has expanded into the world of luxury interiors through Fendi Casa, launched in 1987. This division brings Fendi’s design ethos into home decor, offering everything from plush furniture to lighting and kitchenware.

Fendi Casa exemplifies the brand’s seamless blend of opulence and functionality, creating interiors that reflect the same luxury as its clothing.

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9. Sustainability and the Future of Fendi

As sustainability becomes a growing priority in fashion, Fendi has taken steps to align tradition with responsibility. Key initiatives include:

• Investing in traceable and responsibly sourced fur

• Embracing circular design and waste-reduction practices

• Collaborating with artisans to promote slow fashion and protect heritage craftsmanship

Fendi’s long-term goal is to balance luxury with eco-consciousness, ensuring that beauty does not come at the cost of the environment.

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10. Fendi Today: The Legacy Lives On

Today, Fendi stands as one of the most respected names in fashion. Headquartered in Rome with the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana as its striking HQ, the brand continues to evolve while honoring its past.

Fendi’s legacy is built on:

• Family leadership and heritage

• Unmatched craftsmanship

• Continuous reinvention

• Global influence

From red carpets to runways, from Baguette bags to avant-garde fur creations, Fendi remains a symbol of timeless luxury and creative expression.

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Conclusion: Why Fendi Matters

Fendi is not just a brand—it’s a story of innovation, family, and artistry that has spanned nearly a century. Whether through its boundary-pushing designs, unforgettable handbags, or fusion of tradition and modernity, Fendi continues to redefine what luxury means.

To own a piece of Fendi is to hold a slice of fashion history. And as the house continues to innovate under Kim Jones and Silvia Venturini Fendi, its future looks just as bright and bold as its past.