A show like we have just experienced, never, or very rarely, happens. Fendi was pure magic.
For the last couple of years, the Fendi woman was a strict Italian woman who didn’t eat much nor aged much - she felt a little contrived.
Last night marked the 100th anniversary of Fendi and what a remarkable job Silvia Venturini Fendi and her team have done. For the first time in a long time (not just at Fendi but in fashion), guests were served really good fashion. There was emotion, but also incredible clothing, with immaculate styling, a palette of colors that one just wants to wear and own and models you could project yourself with.
Hem dresses flounced, embellished skirts with v-neck cashmere sweaters glimmered away and every single accessory from the peeped heels to the bags, the oversized beanies with a voilette and the stuffed kids dolls - they were all desirable. The silhouettes felt sexy without being too much, they actually felt very wearable, for any woman, in any circumstance.
We can’t not mention the outerwear, coats grasping authority as naturally as it is for an Italian to drink coffee in the morning.
The phenomal casting of real women from all ages, horizons, sizes and styles walked the runway in the most easy, elegant and nonchalant way and it does make you realise that bringing a little more authenticity to a world ruled by social media and “likes” is a good recipe to make a customer want you more than your competitor. Fendi, for the last 100 years, has always been the LVMH brand most known for its exquisite leathers and furs with a very fun side to it all. The Baguette bag varies from sequins to crochet and naming the other sister bag « Peekaboo » can only make one smile. This show felt like it was going back to its roots.
Michel Gaubert (who better) did the playlist, and I couldn’t spot a single guest not bouncing or smiling or shedding a tear whilst the Postlude of Conclave by Volker Bertelmann or I Giardini di Kensington by Patty Pravo blasted sound in a really warm and fuzzy and cool circular bronze set design.
It does make us question : do you need « hype » creative directors to produce a really good show ? Because this show might make us rethink the way the system currently works.
Well done Fendi! and ps : great front row!
