Give me a good-quality tweed, tailored blazer any day. But for AW/FW22 collection, Fendi took things to another level with sharp, eye-catching geometric cuts that pulled me right back into their world. It all started with their AW/FW22 campaign images, featuring models with pocketed belts that can even hold your phone, a thoughtful detail that feels as chic as it is practical. The stunning black models with mini afros and that rich colour palette drew me in instantly. I was hooked.

  • Image by Fendi AW/FW22
  • Image by Fendi SS25

For a while, I’d felt like Fendi had lost a bit of its exclusivity, its high-end edge, so I hadn’t paid much attention to the brand. But something started to shift, and I found myself eagerly awaiting their Spring Summer 2025 (SS25) collection.

Milan Fashion Week arrived, and Fendi opened with a slender black model, a natural mini afro and minimalist makeup. I have to hand it to their creative team for the casting, hair, and makeup, the runway was a beautiful mix of diverse models of different races (though I do wonder why we still don’t see many, if any, brown-skinned Asian models). Each model confidently embodied the brand’s energy and elegance

One thing about Fendi: to my knowledge, they’ve never turned their back on their black buyers or fallen into any unfortunate marketing missteps. Instead, they’ve shown an ongoing respect for their diverse clientele, seamlessly embracing the fact that their brand appeals across cultures. They deserve real recognition for this.

Now, about the SS25 show itself, could I love Fendi any more? The simplicity of the runway setup kept all eyes on the models and the collection, and the final scene with all the models standing in an illuminated cube. Perfecto.

What did we love specifically?

First, the accessories: the 80s-style asymmetric earrings, one long, one short gave off a vibe that said, “I’m unique, I’m confident, I’m my style.” Pairing them with a see-through collared shirt and a pencil skirt felt bold yet effortless. Then there’s the refreshed baguette bag, now a slouchier, bigger version of the classic, easy to carry yet totally luxe.

The clothes: They captured the essence of a woman with that quiet, unshakeable confidence. The translucent dresses, embroidered tops, and flowy dresses paired with trousers. It all reminded me of my 20-something self, breaking fashion rules left and right. Now, Fendi has made seem as though those fashion faux pas have matured, standing out and even more unintimidated by fashion rules. For a house that’s stepped into its 100th year, Fendi has earned the right to do just that.

I absolutely love this modern house of Fendi, they deserve all the accolades including the review below of the Milan show, which nicely simplifies my sentiments.

Even the presentation allowed for a calmness not present in other shows, the massive expanse of white flooring, with the media pushed all the way to the perimeter allowed the viewer to focus on the clothing. I’m coming from a related design profession, so I may just be ignorant, but I would envision the Fendi customer as someone who has her own identity, her own success, and she doesn’t need to proclaim anything with her clothing. -James S