FENDI – Minimalist Elegance and Maximalist Craftsmanship

With eyes on the future glancing at Lagerfeld's legacy

FENDI – Minimalist Elegance and Maximalist Craftsmanship
Mariana Baião Santos

In a luminous display of innovation and in homage to Karl Lagerfeld’s futurism, FENDI (Instagram) unveiled its Couture Spring/Summer 2024 collection under the creative direction of Kim Jones. The runway radiated with sleek, draped looks in neutral tones punctuated by glimmering silver and metallic accents, offering a renaissance of retro dresses. Brown, white and black, timeless staples, blended with metallics and lustrous textures, embodying a synthesis of past and future.

FENDI Haute Couture SS24
FENDI Haute Couture SS24

Elegance, the defining element, took centre stage with bandeau-inspired tops, form-fitting cuts, and ethereal flowy dresses reminiscent of Greek goddesses, gracefully cascading to the floor. Bare shoulders, an ever-present theme, added a touch of sensuality, creating a harmonious blend of modernity and classic allure among the glistening suiting and crystal-encrusted accessories. The deliberate exploration of gradients, orchestrated in seamless transition from dark to bright hues, underscored a contemporary celestial inspiration that seemed to permeate the entire collection. Minimalistic cuts from a maximalist approach, material was king of effortless couture.

FENDI Haute Couture SS24
FENDI Haute Couture SS24

Jones expressed his vision of precision and emotion entwined, stating “The collection is about structure and decoration, where the two become indivisible. I wanted an idea of precision and emotion at once.” The collection embodied a humanistic approach to futurism that pays homage to Lagerfeld’s enduring tenure at the house. Every piece in the couture line showcased a meticulous exploration of materials, offering a breathtaking fusion of sleek modernity and traditional craftsmanship.

The star-studded event held in the heart of Paris, at Palais Brongniart, bore witness to the presence of various personalities from the entertainment and fashion world. Iconic actresses Zendaya, Reese Witherspoon, and her daughter Ava Philippe, graced the occasion alongside Adèle Exarchopolous; FENDI’s brand ambassador, Hyekyo SONG, the multi-talented Heart Evangelista, Chinese actress Yu Feihong, the esteemed French friend of the house, Zita d’Hauteville, and Mina, the Japanese singer, member of the Korean band TWICE, together celebrating the brand’s international reach front row.

FENDI Haute Couture SS24

Models in clean beauty wore sleek pulled back hair and occasionally Y2K style glasses to underscore the futuristic vision Jones brought to the scene. Looking at the future, with a glance to Lagerfeld’s legacy, FENDI creates its own present having audiences gasping for more.

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