Fendi

Summary

Fendi is a luxury fashion house renowned for its sophisticated craftsmanship, innovative designs, and timeless elegance. Founded in Rome in 1925, the brand originally gained fame for its high-quality fur and leather goods, eventually expanding into a full spectrum of luxury fashion, including ready-to-wear, footwear, and accessories. Fendi’s signature designs, such as the iconic FF logo and Peekaboo bag, showcase its commitment to bold creativity and meticulous attention to detail. Blending heritage with modernity, the brand continues to be a trailblazer in the fashion industry, exemplifying Italian luxury and innovation under the artistic direction of Silvia Venturini Fendi and ongoing collaborative leadership with some of fashion’s most visionary talents.

History

When Edoardo Fendi married Adele Casagrande, a fur designer with a modest atelier, in 1925, the company took the name of Fendi and its fur and leather goods became popular among the European aristocracy. In 1946, the couple passed the baton to their daughters Anna, Carla, Paola, Franca and Alda and each of them had twenty per cent stake. 

Karl Lagerfeld joined Fendi in 1965 as Creative Director of the luxury fashion brand’s fur and women’s ready-to-wear. With him at the helm, precious furs were redesigned as he experimented with materials, patterns, finishes, weight, tanning methods and colors supported by advanced technological craftsmanship. Rather than reserving fur for coats, Lagerfeld used it in accessories and ready-to-wear, making precious fur accessible. He also designed the iconic Double F logo and was responsible for launching ready-to-wear in 1977 and a line of shoes the following year. It was a hit among the high brow. In 1972, Sophia Loren posed for Vogue with Fendi bags, booklets, cases and shoe bag and confessed her love for the brand. 

Silvia Venturini Fendi, daughter of Anna, joined the fashion house in 1994 and has since been Creative Director of accessories and menswear, and debuted the iconic Baguette. The A-list set loved it including Madonna and Naomi Campbell, and the It Bag became a rage when Carrie Bradshaw pronounced it as her favourite in Sex and the City. 

Fendi remained a family-controlled company until 1999, when Italian fashion house Prada and French luxury goods company LVMH collaborated to purchase 51 per cent stake. Gucci Group NV lost out in the bidding. The sale handed the reins of Fendi to Bernard Arnault, Chairman, LVMH and Patrizio Bertelli, Chairman, Prada but gave the creative control and general management to the Fendi family. The brand reportedly lost 20 million euros in 2001 and the following year; consequently Prada sold its stake to LVMH, which gave it a 51 per cent stake while the Fendi family retained 49 per cent. With the financial support of LVMH, the Fendi family and Karl Lagerfeld focused on the creative side of the business. In these years, Fendi experienced a revival, with its expertise and ability to remain relevant. In 2009, the brand launched Peekaboo and other iconic bags such as Silvana, By The Way and 2Jours. 

Close to its hundredth anniversary, Fendi became popular among millennials with collections that blended traditional craftsmanship with streetstyle. The brand became a streetstyle cult, with dresses and bombers embellished with the monogram and iconic bags like Kan I. In 2017 Fendi launched a customization shop for bespoke handbags in alliance with e-commerce platform Farfetch. Taking the art of craftsmanship back to the days where products were created individually for the customer, it was good business acumen. 

In September 2020, British fashion designer Kim Jones was announced Artistic Director of Fendi womenswear alongside his position at Dior Homme. The luxury brand continues to forge forward, with the intent to be more sustainable, using recycled materials and creating less wastage.

Vision

Fendi’s vision is built upon its legacy rooted in Italian heritage and a commitment to timeless style. Fendi strives to be a global leader in the fashion industry.. known for its impeccable quality and dedication to creating exceptional products that embody the brand’s values of elegance, sophistication and innovation. Fendi’s artisans possess unparalleled skill and expertise, meticulously crafting each piece with attention to detail. The brand’s commitment to craftsmanship ensures that every Fendi creation is a masterpiece- designed to stand the test of time.

As a visionary brand, Fendi embraces innovation and pushes boundaries in design and technology. By combining traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques and materials, Fendi constantly evolves its offerings… staying ahead of trends and setting new standards of excellence. Fendi also envisions itself as a global ambassador of Italian luxury and craftsmanship. Through collaborations with artists, architects, and cultural institutions, Fendi strives to promote and preserve Italian artistry and culture. The brand’s vision is to not only create beautiful fashion pieces but also contribute to the enrichment and appreciation of art and craftsmanship worldwide.

Mission Statement

Fendi is synonymous with luxury, excellence, craftsmanship and virtuosity in the processing of materials and timeless style. The luxury brand’s mission is rooted in serving the needs of its most discerning customers and the brand’s culture revolves around understanding the desires and aspirations of its clientele and going above and beyond to exceed their expectations.

At the heart of Fendi’s mission is a commitment to craftsmanship, quality, and innovation. The luxury brand strives to create products that showcase impeccable artistry. Fendi’s artisans meticulously bring each design to life, paying meticulous attention to detail and using the finest materials to ensure the highest level of craftsmanship. The team recognises that luxury is not solely about the physical product, but also about the experience and aims to create an emotional connection with its customers, making them feel special, valued and empowered. Innovation is a driving force. The brand continuously pushes boundaries and explores new horizons in design, technology, and materials.

Fendi’s mission extends beyond fashion. The brand also seeks to contribute to the wider community and make a positive impact. Through collaborations with artists, architects, and philanthropic initiatives, Fendi strives to foster creativity, support cultural endeavors, and give back to society.

Products and Services

Fendi offers an extensive range of high-end products that cater to a sophisticated clientele. The luxury fashion brand’s portfolio includes ready-to-wear, Leather Goods, Fashion Accessories, Shoes, Watches, Eyewear, Perfumes, Jewellery, and a dedicated Home Line. Each product is crafted with Fendi’s signature blend of innovation, quality, and attention to detail, making them coveted pieces in luxury fashion. Fendi’s ready-to-wear, for instance, showcases the luxury brand’s expertise in creating elegant, contemporary designs that appeal to fashion-forward individuals. Their handbags and wallets too are renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship and timeless appeal, often featuring the iconic double “F” logo.

In addition to their wide range of luxury products, Fendi is committed to providing exceptional customer service. The luxury fashion brand offers personalized customer care through phone or email, ensuring that any questions regarding products, services, or online orders are promptly addressed. This dedication to customer satisfaction extends to the option of booking a one-to-one appointment with a client advisor, either in-person at any Fendi boutique or via a virtual call. This service allows customers to receive personalized advice and assistance tailored to their individual needs, enhancing their shopping experience and ensuring they find the perfect Fendi product.

Embracing the digital age, Fendi has also introduced remote shopping services, allowing customers to enjoy the luxury of their boutiques from the comfort of their own homes. Through these services, clients can explore Fendi’s collections, make purchases, and receive personalized advice, all without needing to visit a physical store. This innovative approach to luxury retail reflects Fendi’s commitment to combining tradition with modern convenience, ensuring that their customers can experience the brand’s exceptional products and services no matter where they are.

Awards And Recognition

Fendi is globally recognized as a symbol of Italian luxury and innovation, celebrated for its unparalleled craftsmanship and iconic designs. With a heritage dating back to 1925, Fendi has earned a prestigious reputation for redefining fashion through its artistry, blending traditional techniques with cutting-edge innovation. The brand’s signature creations, such as the FF logo, the Baguette bag, and the Peekaboo bag, have achieved legendary status, becoming coveted symbols of style and sophistication. Fendi’s collections consistently reflect a bold, contemporary aesthetic that honors its Roman roots while pushing the boundaries of modern fashion. This balance between heritage and forward-thinking creativity has solidified Fendi’s place as a leader in the global fashion industry.

Beyond its product excellence, Fendi has received widespread acclaim for its commitment to artistic expression and cultural preservation. The brand has been instrumental in supporting art and architecture, including the restoration of Rome’s Trevi Fountain, demonstrating its dedication to celebrating and preserving Italian heritage. Fendi’s collaborations with visionary designers and artists, along with its innovative runway presentations, continue to captivate audiences worldwide, further enhancing its reputation for creative brilliance. As a hallmark of luxury and a pioneer in the fashion world, Fendi remains synonymous with elegance, innovation, and artistic excellence.

Team

Bernard Arnault (Group CEO)
Serge Brunschwig (CEO)
Kim Jones (Artistic Director)
Silvia Venturini Fendi (Artistic Director)
Delfina Delettrez Fendi (Artistic Director)

References

1. Everything You’ve Ever Wanted to Know About Fendi’s Fascinating History | Instyle
2. Fendi | Wikipedia
3. Documentary on Sylvia Fendi | CNN
4. What will Kim Jones do for Fendi? | Vogue
5. Fendi and Rome, Originality and Tradition | Forbes
6. Inside The Fendi Caffe In Miami’s Design District— Open Til July 5 | Forbes
7. We strengthen ties by selling a dream: Fendi CEO | Forbes India
8. Fendi | Vogue
9. Sustainability at Fendi | Fendi
10. LinkedIn account of Fendi | LinkedIn
11. Fendi Spring 2022 Menswear | Vogue
12. Fendi Roma | LVMH
13. Fendi Casa | Fendi Casa
14. Instagram account of Fendi | Instagram
15. Fendi: A History | The Lux Portal
16. The female success story of the Fendi sisters | NSSG Club
17. Facebook account of Fendi | Twitter
18. Official website | Fendi
19. Youtube channel of Fendi Youtube