Fendi is one of the most iconic brands today that manufactures handbags, other accessories, and clothing. Few people, however, know that its history began over 90 years ago, all thanks to a certain couple's fate. How did it happen that Fendi became a true accessory empire?
Fendi, a fashion giant, started off quite modestly, like other leather goods brands, from a small family store specializing in leather products. It started similarly to empires like French Hermes or Prada. It only took a few decades for the brand to become one of the most recognizable luxury brands.
After years in the shadow of other brands, Fendi has refreshed its portfolio of projects, image, and offers a new approach to Italian aesthetics and elegance. In recent years, this has crystallized, with Kate Moss and Demi Moore appearing during the last Haute Couture SS2021 show. What is the brand's history? It is worth knowing it a little better.
Fendi – A Bag with a Family History
The Fendi fashion house is almost a century old. The brand's origins date back to 1918 when Adele Casagrande (not yet Fendi, under her maiden name) opened a fur and leather goods store in Rome. The actual Fendi store was founded by the Italian couple Adele and Edoardo Fendi in Rome in 1925. A year later, they opened their first handbag boutique, combined with a fur workshop at Via del Plebiscito, quickly achieving success. By the end of the forties and fifties, the couple's five daughters: Paola, Anna, Franca, Carla, and Alda, began working in the family business, bringing new energy and innovative ideas.
In 1965, Fendi began collaboration with a young, talented German designer, the late Karl Lagerfeld. This year proved to be revolutionary in the brand's history and propelled it to the top. Lagerfeld treated fur innovatively, in a way not seen before. Coats and fur accessories were modernized and reinterpreted anew, appropriate to the trends of the '60s, becoming an element of ideal fashion not only for special occasions but also for everyday use.
During this time, the brand's iconic logo was also created, appearing, among others, on the famous Fendi bags: two combined F letters, which stand for "Fun Furs". It's worth noting that despite the fur tradition and building its power on fur, the brand has reduced the number of designs using natural fur since 2019.
In 1992, Silvia Venturini Fendi, belonging to the third generation of the Fendi family, joined the company and appointed Karl Lagerfeld as the artistic director. In 1994, she took responsibility for accessories, and later for men's clothing. By 1999, 1/3 of the brand's activity was based on furs and clothing, 40% on accessories, and 28% on other products.
In September 2020, Kim Jones joined the "Fendi family" as the artistic director of the Haute Couture, Ready-to-Wear, and Fur collections for women. We could see his vision of the brand during the latest SS2021 show. Setting a new direction, he reaches back to the Baroque and Renaissance power of Italy, using works of art and aesthetics of those epochs. However, it all seems avant-garde, modern, and sometimes even futuristic. It's hard to describe this specific mix in words – you have to see it.
Like every major fashion brand, Fendi also has several milestones in its history. What does Fendi have to offer? The brand's bag is a hot and desired wardrobe item for any self-respecting fashionista. Another trinket that will surely make her happy is the Fendi wallet. We present the most famous models of Fendi bags.
Fendi Bags – The 4 Most Famous Models
The combination of high-quality materials, thoughtful, decorative details, and practicality – this is the secret of the popularity of the iconic brand's bags: 2jours, Pequin, Baguette, and Peekaboo. The latter two were designed by Silvia Venturini Fendi in 1997 and 2008, respectively, and have become classics and symbols of the fashion house.
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‘Peekaboo X-tote’ shoulder bag
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‘Mini Baguette Chain’ shoulder bag
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‘Mon Tresor’ shoulder bag
Can you imagine the current Fendi brand without the Baguette bag? Adorned with the brand's printed logo or a metal clasp, the Baguette is an object of desire and a star in the wardrobes of many contemporary celebrities. Its form (narrow and elongated) gave this model its “baker's” name.
Another famous model is Peekaboo, which is inspired by classic bags from the '50s. It has two pairs of practical handles – longer ones to wear on the shoulder and shorter ones to sling the bag over the arm. The bag measures 35x25cm, so you can easily fit everything you need for the day inside. Inside, there's also one large pocket. The charm of the model is added by the twist retro lock.
2jours and Pequin, on the other hand, are larger, roomier models. 2jours is a simplified, larger version of Peekaboo with a metal rail at the closure, made from shape-retaining, stiffer leather. Pequin Fendi bags are a whole series of bags stitched from leather dyed in stripes typical of this collection, beige and black leather. The Pequin model was worn, among others, by Catherine Deneuve.
If a bag seems beyond your reach for now, a good solution will be a slightly cheaper, but still luxurious and stylish accessory – a wallet.
Fendi Wallet – A Stylish Accessory and a Gift Idea
If you dream of buying a Baguette, a Fendi shoulder wallet will be a great "appetizer" before the main Baguette. You can wear it as a mini bag or, after unfastening the chain, use it as a standard wallet. Fendi has maintained high standards over the years when it comes to the quality of its accessories. Leather wallets of the brand will serve you for many years. Inside, they have plenty of pockets. The burgundy shoulder wallet has as many as four pockets, twelve card slots, and an additional zip pocket.
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Folded wallet with logo
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Wallet with chain
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Folded wallet with logo
If you are close to the Italian style typical for it, often a rather baroque elegance, get acquainted with Fendi's accessories and clothing. The Italian brand consistently maintains class, and its designs recently have been appreciated increasingly by critics and are becoming more and more fashionable.
