Fendi Is Proof That Nonna-Core Style Is the Glamorous Cousin to Understated Minimalism
Fendi’s F/W 25 collection marked a monumental moment for the iconic Italian fashion house, as it celebrated its 100th anniversary during Milan Fashion Week. Founded in 1925 by Edoardo and Adele Fendi, the brand has remained at the forefront of luxury fashion, blending heritage with innovation. This centenary show, conceptualized by Silvia Venturini Fendi, the creative force behind the brand’s menswear—and, for this show, womenswear—was a stunning tribute to Fendi's rich, plush history, whether real or imagined. According to the show notes shared by the brand, Venturini Fendi touched upon the nostalgia-tinged memories and fantasies of her late grandparents, the founders of the house, and what Fendi means today.
The runway featured a dazzling array of 86 looks, combining historical house motifs with modern silhouettes and luxurious materials. From elegant fur coats to ribbed knit dresses with scalloped hems and masterfully crafted leather goods, the collection showcased Fendi’s dedication to artistry and quality, all core tenets of the house. Guests were taken into a space reminiscent of the brand's atelier, which, in the '60s and '70s, the Fendi family turned into a personal party saloon.
The event was a star-studded affair, with of-the-moment models such as Paloma Elsesser and Alex Consani walking the runway, while celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker, a longtime friend of the house and Fendi muse, added to the celebration from the front row. Given this is Silvia Venturini Fendi's first co-ed collection and one of the strongest to date, there's certainly plenty to celebrate over in Milan.
(Famous) Friends of the House
As it's one of the largest shows during Milan Fashion Week, anyone who's anyone wants a seat at Fendi. Supermodels and rising stars like Adriana Lima, Mona Tougaard, Alex Consani, Paloma Elsesser, Amelia Grey, Gabbriette, and more took to the runway in celebration of the brand's 100th anniversary collection. In the front row were recognizable friends of the brand as well, including Who What Wear's latest cover star, Hailee Steinfeld, Sarah Jessica Parker, Elizabeth Olsen and Challengers director Luca Guadagnino.
The Co-ed Collection Is a Fendi First for the Family
Following Kim Jones's departure from Fendi womenswear and haute couture in 2024, Silvia Venturini Fendi stepped up to the plate to take on responsibilities for both menswear and womenswear for the centennial show. Venturini Fendi primarily focused on accessories, menswear, and children's clothing while Jones was at the brand. This collection marks the first that Venturini Fendi designed as co-ed, totaling 87 looks. It's Fendi by women, for women. Prior to Jones, Karl Lagerfeld was the womenswear co-creative director alongside Venturini Fendi.
A Glamorous, Retro Nod to Nonna
In the show notes shared by the brand, Venturini Fendi told the press that she "didn't want to spend too much time dwelling on the physical archives," and instead focused on capturing the raw emotions and feelings that came with growing up with the brand. Fendi 100, she says, is more about her personal memories and how they've transformed the brand over time. It's no surprise then that the opulent, plush life of Venturini Fendi's nonna Adele Casagrande played a massive role in inspiring the F/W 25 collection. The Fendi woman almost gets sexier as she ages. She swipes red lipstick across her cheeks before she leaves the house to run errands covered in a fur coat or lace-trimmed cardigan. Motifs from the '60s and '70s were felt throughout the collection, from oversize sunglasses to whimsical lettuce-trimmed skirts.
The Gesture of It All
Not only do the clothes feel reminiscent of a more glamorous time, but the models added to the fantasy as well with subtle gestures that signaled a cool, nonchalant attitude about stepping onto the runway dripping in gemstones or their finest wool frocks. Models used their hands to keep their fur coats closed, as if they were rushing out the door and threw it on last-minute. Bags were held lazily, slung in the crook of an arm or dangling slightly by a model's wrist. For the garments that felt a bit more inspired by childlike wonder and innocence (perhaps a nod to Venturini Fendi growing up among some of Italy's finest), models held crochet rag dolls down the runway. It's not just clothing on a runway—this season, Fendi is selling you a lifestyle.
Fendi Fur Forever
A Fendi show would be incomplete without mentioning the iconic Fendi furs. While some maisons have phased out of using the material completely, Fendi strives for excellence in its production, calling out its ethical sourcing. Whether or not you choose to wear fur (whether second-hand or faux), you can't deny the influence Fendi has had over the style over the last 100 years.
