Essential decorativism: an oxymoron that tells you everything about Fendi’s Pre Fall 2019, the new collection designed by versatile talent Karl Lagerfeld, the creative director of the maison for the last years, together with Silvia Venturini Fendi, the heart and soul of the fashion label founded in Rome in 1925, who shares Lagerfeld’s interest in experimentation and avant-gardism.
The inspiration for this Pre-fall collection comes from two books: the Kaiser’s inspiration are a book on 19th-century French ironwork gates and an antique volume on men’s Japanese kimonos. Different references that inspire a series of opposite, yet perfectly balanced, pieces, which completely transform their initial definition – a key concept in Fendi’s aesthetics.
Tailored ’70s-inspired outerwear silhouettes with maxi pockets, coats with colorblock laser-cut fur inserts, double-breasted blazers and flared cropped pants with cuffs, contrast with soft printed fur bomber jackets and more feminine shapes such as asymmetrical plissé dresses, lace details and silk printed fabrics that reference men’s kimonos.
Particularly worthy of note: the slightly oversized turquoise suede shirt-jacket paired with acid green cropped pants, and the lavish black coat embellished with baroque patterns and embroideries made with leather strips stitched on silk tulle in order to create a lace-like effect.
Looking at the decorations, the graphic curly motifs pair well with barely-there, vaguely exotic mini patterns. This perfect balance of opposites is also highlighted in the accessories: the comeback of the it-bags in the Baguette and Peekaboo styles combines with the functional design of the Kan U shoulder bag, embellished with a metal chain.
Over 90 years after the establishment of its fashion label, Fendi continues its journey towards evolution working with artists, sportsmen and performers, while at the same time providing high quality craftsmanship and all the unique elements of its own style, in order to attract the younger generations.
