Luxury Italian brand, Fendi’s Spring 2023 Ready-to-Wear had all the Y2K hits that have dominated the trend cycle for the past year, from silky cargo pants and slip dresses, to wedge platforms and statement ‘it’ bags in a variety of muted pastels, repurposed florals and bold pops of colour, synonymous of the era.
Designing the collection, Kim Jones looked towards Fendi’s heritage for inspiration, taking the past and transforming it for the present and future. In particular, Jones was influenced by Karl Lagerfeld’s designs from 1996 to 2002.
“It’s about continuity,” says Jones. “I am interested in looking at things that Karl has done, and seeing how we can develop them – both visually and technically.”
Exuding minimalist ease and pop-infused eclecticism, the clothing of the collection loosely resolves around the turn of the millennium, with floating layers of technical organza, nylon jersey, amidst lacquered embroidery, resulting in pieces that are at once sporty, delicate and ethereal, whilst also practical.
“At Fendi, I am constantly thinking about practicality as well as luxury,” says Jones. “Adding heavy hardware to something very soft both gives it real functionality and makes it interesting.”
Continuing to honour the past of the house, the distinctive double-F and inverted F of the Fendi brand elevated tennis shoes, rubber platforms and the brand’s statement accessories.
The house’s iconic bags featured the same spirit of duality which permeates the collection, with high-shine leathers integrated alongside clean canvas, bold shades printed across natural hues. Some featuring chains, others as hand-held clutches. “At Fendi, everything comes from the conversation around the double F which makes us see things in couples,” reflects Silvia Venturini Fendi, creative director of accessories.
“Even the bags become part of a family: big and small.”
Making its presence known, the Peekaboo, now sliced with a steel F becoming its handle bag, is one of the season’s key accessories. Available in two sizes – medium and petite – the Peekaboo Cut can be carried as an edgy clutch or with the shoulder chain for a 90s vibe.
New to the Fendi family, is the Fendi First Sight. Inspired by the ‘90s, this small bag draws on the Maison’s signature F while evolving it into the future, balancing graphic minimalism and refined luxury.
Available in Fendi boutiques worldwide and on fendi.com.
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