Scene setting: For it’s A/W 2018 show, Fendi erected a pastel-hued show set resembling a chocolate box (if the brand did branch into confectionary it would be rich, fun and full of surprises). Its runway set was lined with a pattern of diagonal checks and panels of distorting mirror, and as the show began model’s strode from a diamond-shape cut out at the head of the catwalk.
Mood board: Never has the strength of woman been more in the public eye. The concept of power dressing has been a focal point for Milan’s A/W 2018 designers — take Max Mara’s offering three hours before the Fendi show which bought an air of rebellion to the working girl. For A/W 2018, Karl Lagerfeld drew from the notion of eighties power dressing, with Fendi logo raincoats, square shouldered cropped puffer jackets, oversized double-breasted coats in punchy plaids, Argyle furs and fit-and-flare pleated skirts. There was a futuristic leaning in the brand’s offering, with plastic coated fabrics, and cropped capes with spaceship-uniform high collars, offset against most nostalgic silhouettes like pretty shirt dresses with floral embroidery and retro capes.
Finishing touches: When it comes to Fendi accessories, Silvia Venturi pulls out all the stops. Pencil skirts were paired with wedged cowboy boots in colourful snakeskin, the Fendi logo or shiny check. The brand also continued to showcase the work of graphic artist Reilly, whose slice of the Fendi and Fila logo featured in its men’s A/W 2018 show. This blue and red slogan featured on a coated canvas shopper, and with fashion’s fascination with sportswear was a smart commercial move. The slogan pieces will be the fodder of street style stars next season.
