Fendi, a fashion powerhouse birthed by the collaboration of Adele and Edoardo Fendi, truly blossomed under the influence of their five dynamic daughters. A legacy of influential women, and Kim Jones, the artistic director of Fendi womenswear, knows exactly how to dress them.
For the Autumn/Winter 2024 womenswear show, Kim Jones embarked on a journey through Fendi's rich history, drawing inspiration from Karl Lagerfeld's sketches from 1984 and the vibrant London scene of the Blitz Kids.
"I was looking at 1984 in the FENDI archives. The sketches reminded me of London during that period: the Blitz Kids, the New Romantics, the adoption of workwear, aristocratic style, Japanese style," shared Kim Jones, the maestro behind Fendi's Couture and Womenswear.
In a delightful intersection of influences, Jones brought together the subcultures of 1980s Britain, such as those aforementioned, with the timeless sophistication of Roman style. The result? A collection that effortlessly navigates the realms of utility and extravagance, simplicity and theatrics—a true celebration of duality.
Transparent tulle and organza take centre stage, adorned with prints of the Cloaked Female Statue and Colossal Head of a Goddess from Galleria Borghese, along with the Immaculate Conception from Chiesa di San Luigi dei Francesi, Pii Stabilimenti della Francia a Roma e a Loreto.
The playful heritage touch? Fendi Selleria stitching embellishing a new Chupa Chups® lollipop holder on their bags, a delightful nod to the nostalgia of British childhood.
When Roman and British influences collide in Jones' hands, magic ensues. Drapery, both printed and evoked, is central, with asymmetrically spliced knits gracefully adorning the figure. Single sleeves pay homage to ancient statues, while leather dresses embrace a sculptural essence, seemingly hewn from a singular material block—complemented seamlessly by matching bags and boots.
Jones' AW24 collection is a lesson in harmonising contrasts. Practical yet bold, it playfully dips into the past while firmly gazing into the future. This collection is for the women who cherish both comfort and confidence, expressing themselves through unique combinations and unapologetic individuality. Fendi's AW24 is a fashion spectacle that effortlessly captures the essence of British quirkiness and Roman elegance, creating a sartorial symphony that resonates with the modern, multifaceted woman.
