Silvia Venturini Fendi, the visionary designer behind the iconic fashion house, shared her creative insights backstage at the grand fashion show, revealing a collection that seamlessly marries classic elegance with a contemporary edge. She stated, “I’ve had the privilege of working on timeless pieces, but my goal was to imbue them with a modern sensibility.” Fendi’s Fall/Winter 2024 men’s fashion collection unfolds in two distinct parts, which she aptly describes as an exploration of both urban and rural aesthetics.

The venue for the show was a sprawling hall in Milan, where the runway was meticulously arranged with seats in the shape of the renowned “F” emblem of the brand. The opening of the show presented a breathtaking blend of Venturini Fendi’s diverse inspirations, showcased through an oversized brown leather coat juxtaposed with a deep purple knit sweater adorned with golden buttons. This unconventional pairing was perfectly harmonized with a short, pleated green skirt that seemed to glide gracefully with each stride. The front row boasted a star-studded audience, including the likes of Kit Harrington, Massimiliano Caiazzo, Aaron Piper, Ed Mcvey, Jeremy Pope, James Franco, Lee Min Ho, and Winston Duke, among others.

Venturini Fendi elaborated on her creative vision, saying, “The shorts in this collection truly resemble skirts, introducing a refreshing style to traditional menswear.” What truly caught the eye was the unexpected infusion of feminine silhouettes into the collection. These elements reappeared throughout the show in thick wool and lightweight cotton, drawing parallels with office attire while challenging the boundaries of traditional masculinity. Fendi, as one of the industry’s most revered and enduring brands, signaled a seismic shift by featuring an array of dresses, including both short and flared varieties, in its men’s fashion presentation, marking the apex of a once-controversial trend. The concept of men donning dresses is gradually being normalized, at least within the realm of high fashion.

Venturini Fendi dubbed the outerwear pieces in her collection as “generous” owing to their raglan shoulders, flat leather tab buttons, and Selleria collars. The range included fisherman coats and waterproof waxed jackets crafted from the renowned “FF” canvas fabric, alongside bomber jackets and pea coats adorned with trompe l’oeil stitching and fur-trimmed lapels. Denim and mohair fabrics were meticulously cut and woven to create striking “fur” textures that adorned various pieces throughout the collection.

In addition to dresses, short skirts, and flared skirts, Fendi’s lower garments featured an assortment of wide-legged trousers that bore a striking resemblance to culottes. Velvet made a recurrent appearance in shades spanning from navy and olive to mauve, while trousers predominantly showcased hues of green, purple, and gray. Venturini Fendi noted, “The long pants feature two large pleats on the sides, presenting an entirely distinctive style.” This subtle yet impactful change highlighted the designer’s ability to challenge conventional fashion norms while introducing a contemporary twist.

Models gracefully carried Fendi’s latest accessories, with the unveiling of the new Siesta bag, which could be flattened like a pillow, featuring quilted or shearling materials. The Melon Hobo made a striking statement with its chrome-plated FF hardware. Furthermore, Fendi reintroduced favorites like the Peekaboo ISeeU Soft and Baguette Soft Trunk, alongside platform shoes and Wellington boots crafted from supple grain leather.

Fendi’s Fall/Winter 2024 collection is not merely a fashion display; it’s a testament to Silvia Venturini Fendi’s unmatched creativity, blending the essence of timeless classics with the boldness of modernity, while also challenging preconceived notions of gender and style in the world of high fashion.