Fendi A/W11

“I was imagining a lady who’s an art teacher” said Silvia Venturini Fendi of the collection she presented with Karl Lagerfeld on Thursday. The show opened with a serious of demure looks that looked back at the 1960s – voluminous A-line coats paired with block-heeled shoes, fur collars and patent leather satchels. Not that the references to the past mattered as much as those to the future. Among elements that demonstrated Lagerfeld and Fendi’s real knack for predicting trends were the brilliant fabric combinations, including delicate organza mixed with fur, or wool ruffles combined with chiffon and leather.

Dazed Digital: Can you tell us more about the collection’s inspiration?
Sylvia Venturini Fendi: I was imagining a woman that is very austere and quiet at the same time. She could be an art teacher, who wears little necklaces and has a bit of paint in her hair! She has great manners, but sometimes she likes to go crazy too. When that happens, she’s the first one to put on her fur coat and chunky shoes.

DD: It feels like there were a few nods to the 60s in the show…
Sylvia Venturini Fendi: Do you really think so? Karl and me generally dislike any references, but I guess there was a bit of the 1960s in the way we accessorized the show. Our main point, however, was to focus on austere, sober fashion. It reflects our view of the future.

DD: You also used quite a lot of furs.
Sylvia Venturini Fendi: We used a lot of different furs including fox fur. I think it’s the most glamorous one. Later we mixed fox silver with blue fox, chinchilla and shearling. It’s almost like we invented an animal that doesn’t really exist…

DD: What’s your favourite outfit from the show?
Sylvia Venturini Fendi: Oh, there are so many! But if I had to pick one it would be the coat with red leather and orange suede inserts. I can’t wait to wear it myself! 

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