Just days after unveiling their Spring/Summer 2026 collection in Milan, the Roman house has announced a historic transition: Silvia Venturini Fendi, after more than three decades shaping Fendi’s creative direction, will step down from her creative duties, and assume the role of Honourary President.
The appointment marks a new chapter in Silvia’s decades-long journey at Fendi. A third-generation member of the founding family, she has been central to shaping the Maison’s creative identity. From leading accessories and menswear to taking charge of women’s collections during the brand’s centennial, Silvia has consistently steered Fendi with a balance of innovation and respect for heritage. Her tenure also includes nearly three decades working alongside Karl Lagerfeld, from 1992 until his passing in 2019, a collaboration she describes as a defining, creative and personal exchange.
Reflecting on her new role, Silvia dedicated her milestone to her grandmother Adele, her mother Anna, and her aunts, the women who founded the house in 1925. “My heart turns to Karl, an extraordinary master who granted me the honour of working by his side, teaching me the art of sharing, a defining quality in my family’s history of women, while guiding me to nurture and protect my own creative vision so that I could then fly on my own,” she said.
In her new capacity, Silvia will focus on preserving Fendi’s heritage, promoting the Maison’s history, and continuing to expand the influence of Fendi Casa. Chairman and CEO Ramon Ros praised her unmatched contribution: “Since 1992, Silvia has greatly contributed to shape Fendi’s creative direction and has been pivotal to the brand’s international success. Her vision has guided Fendi from its Roman artisanal roots into the future, culminating in the celebration of the House’s 100-year anniversary.”
A new creative organization for the house will be revealed in due course, marking the next step in Fendi’s evolution. But for now, Silvia Venturini Fendi’s transition signals not an ending, but the continuation of a legacy, one rooted in Rome yet resonating across the world of fashion, design, and craftsmanship.
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