Fendi

Fendi was founded in Rome in 1925 by Adele and Edoardo Fendi as a workshop specialising in high‑quality fur and leather goods. Their five daughters—Paola, Anna, Franca, Carla and Alda—joined the business in 1946, bringing fresh ideas and female leadership. In 1965 Karl Lagerfeld became creative director, designing the double F logo and launching the brand’s first ready‑to‑wear collection.

Fendi diversified into perfumes, eyewear, jeans and home goods in the following decades, and in 1997 Silvia Venturini Fendi created the Baguette bag, which became one of fashion’s most iconic accessories. Since 2002 the house has been part of the LVMH Group and has developed a global retail network of more than 277 boutiques.

Its headquarters are housed in Rome’s Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana, reflecting its deep Roman heritage.

Fendi’s philosophy marries tradition with innovation. Rooted in its furrier origins, the brand has always prioritised exquisite craftsmanship, whether in hand‑stitched Selleria leather bags or couture fur techniques. Karl Lagerfeld’s tenure introduced a spirit of experimentation, turning fur into lightweight textiles and playing with bold colours and shapes.

Today the house continues to explore new materials—such as eco‑fur and recycled fabrics—and emphasises sustainability within the LVMH framework. The Fendi family’s involvement fosters a sense of authenticity and continuity; Silvia Venturini Fendi oversees accessories and menswear, while recent creative directors for womenswear have injected modernity.

The brand advocates ‘fun fur’ and embraces irony, injecting humour into collections with unexpected motifs and playful designs. This blend of heritage, family values and avant‑garde creativity defines Fendi’s enduring appeal.