When Kim Jones took over as Artistic Director of Fendi at the start of this year, the Renaissance man headed straight to the storied Italian house’s vast archive in the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana. There, Jones found inspiration aplenty for his first ready-to-wear collection for Fendi: from silhouettes sketched by the late Karl Lagerfeld to the iconic “Karligraphy” monogram which debuted in 1981.
Expertly fusing Fendi’s rich heritage with Jones’s cutting-edge vision, the Fall Winter 2021 lineup was unveiled on a giant F-shaped glass runway, which had been scattered with architectural fragments and ornaments. It was, in other words, Fendi’s very own Roman forum—the site of fashion history in the making. As for the 54 striking ensembles that were paraded down the ancient-meets-contemporary catwalk? Much like the iconic columns of the Eternal City, such molto sciccoso satins and soft leather accessories will be sure to stand the test of time.
Here, Bazaar breaks down the season’s sartorial pillars—which arrive in boutiques and online just in time for the start of a new season—from knee-high boots to statement-making cashmere coats that deserve a permanent place in your fall wardrobe (or, at the very least, wishlist). After all, what better way to carpe diem than dressed in head-to-toe Fendi?
SUPER-SOFT FOREVER COATS
After a summer season spent in pieces that can best be described as barely there, nothing ushers in the start of fall more than a head-turning coat—especially when it’s double-breasted and comes with tulip sleeves and an interior emblazoned with double F’s (a nod to Lagerfeld’s iconic, calligraphic 1981 logo). From classic camel coats to floor-grazing dusters trimmed with fringe, Fendi’s fall collection more than delivers on this sartorial signature.
SUMPTUOUS SATINS
Alongside a lineup of upcycled fox fur, shearling, cashmere knits, and diamond-patterned python, light-reflecting satins shone bright—as seen on the the collection’s dresses and a matching blush-hued shirt (complete with exaggerated wrists and gold cufflinks) and belted high-waist trouser. Consider it a winning sartorial equation, minus the fuss.
NEW BAGS FOR A NEW ERA
Kim Jones has certainly left his mark on the season’s must-have It bag, which clasps shut by way of an oversized, gold-toned F that also serves as its off-kilter frame. Offered in two sizes and a number of stroke-worthy finishes (think: embroidered wool flannel, super-cozy shearling, and creamy nappa leather), the Fendi First can be carried as a pochette, or worn across the shoulder thanks to a detachable strap. No matter which way you hold it, this is one accessory with serious staying power.
KNEE-HIGH KICKERS
The working wardrobes of the five Fendi sisters influenced the season’s boots—from ankle booties to knee-highs—distinguished with a rounded toe and an architectural cone heel. Paired with everything from cashmere shorts to maxi capes, the timeless ‘80s-esque lamb-leather style is a no-brainer addition to any outfit, whether worn 9-to-5 or after hours. As many of us begin to make our return to the office, here’s to stepping forth in shoes that can go the extra mile.
MODERN MEDALLIONS
Oftentimes, it’s the little things that matter most—and a new jewelry range designed by Delfina Delettrez, a fourth-generation Fendi, is no exception. Ripe for the picking are a handful of gold trinkets—cuffs, chokers, and hair clips—that offer a clever spin on the house’s signature double-F logo, thanks to a geometric carabiner-like shape. As for how to open the gilded padlocks? Why, enter the code Fendi, of course!
All clothing and accessories by Fendi. Art Direction by Sonja Georgevich; Styling by Rebecca Dennett; Makeup by Tracy Alfajora; Hair by Timothy Wright; Production by Cynthia Cohen and Charles Warburton; Location provided by Old Westbury Gardens.
