Fendi Spring/Summer 2025: A Century in Style, Reimagined

As the lights dimmed and the first model took to the runway, it became clear that Fendi’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection was more than just a seasonal show—it was a celebration of the house’s rich, storied history. Kim Jones, Artistic Director of Womenswear and Couture, embraced Fendi’s centennial year by looking back to where it all began: the 1920s, an era of radical change in both fashion and thought. But while the collection was rooted in nostalgia, it also exuded a fresh sense of modernity, paying homage to the past while crafting an aesthetic vision for the future.

"The foundations of how women dress today and, in many ways, how we think, are rooted in the 1920s," Jones explained. This idea was at the heart of the SS25 collection, which took the bold experimentation of the Jazz Age and reimagined it for today’s woman. Flapper-era motifs abounded: drop-waist dresses with fringe detailing, feather-light frocks in sheer organza, and delicate Art Deco embroideries adorned the models. But while the silhouettes nodded to Fendi’s 1925 origins, they were anything but period pieces. Jones deftly updated these classic shapes with contemporary touches—minimalist necklines, modern materials, and unexpected sportswear elements kept the looks grounded in the present.

One of the standout pieces was a mesh-layered dress, embroidered with black and grey sequins mimicking Fendi's iconic logo in Art Deco patterns. The hem was fringed, a playful nod to flapper fashion, while the sheer panels added movement and lengthened the silhouette. It was a perfect embodiment of Jones' vision—vintage in its essence, but utterly modern in its execution.

Fendi is a brand that has always been about family, and this collection was no different. Silvia Venturini Fendi, the artistic director of accessories and menswear, played a key role in designing the show’s standout bags and footwear. Meanwhile, Delfina Delettrez Fendi, the fourth generation of the Fendi family, crafted the jewelry—delicate, detailed pieces that evoked the house’s long-standing tradition of craftsmanship.

The show’s emotional core was a tribute to the women who have shaped Fendi’s legacy. On the sound system, we heard Silvia speaking with her mother, Anna, about the nature of beauty and fashion—a poignant reminder that Fendi’s success is built on generations of women who did not just exist within the industry, but revolutionized it. The Baguette bag, which became synonymous with the house’s 1990s resurgence, was revisited for SS25 in a new, slouchier form, dubbed the Mamma Baguette. It was a fitting tribute to Adele Fendi, the brand’s founder, and a symbol of how the house continues to evolve while honoring its origins.

In a bold twist, the SS25 collection also marked the debut of Fendi's collaboration with heritage American bootmaker Red Wing. The result was a pair of meticulously crafted moccasin work boots, bringing a rugged, utilitarian edge to the ethereal femininity on display. Worn with delicate tea dresses adorned with floral prints and paired with ruffled socks, the boots added a sense of unexpected contrast, capturing the essence of the collection—practicality meeting extravagance. These were not merely shoes, but a celebration of the intersection of craftsmanship and fashion, past and present.

At the heart of the collection was a focus on quality—something that has defined Fendi for a century. “Quality is the number one point besides the beauty of design,” Silvia Venturini Fendi remarked. It’s a testament to the brand’s enduring commitment to craftsmanship. Fabrics like soft suede, luxurious shearling, and silk organza graced the runway, while the intricate hand-embroidery and Selleria stitching on the accessories were a reminder of the house’s attention to detail. The Mamma Baguette, with its ruffles, charms, and the occasional furry bouquet, added a playful yet sophisticated touch, embodying the same craftsmanship that Adele Fendi obsessed over nearly a hundred years ago.

Jones masterfully played with contrasts throughout the collection, blending masculine and feminine, vintage and modern, delicate and rugged. Slip dresses that sparkled with sequins were paired with the iconic Red Wing boots, while oversized leather belts cinched in flowing, romantic gowns. The colors were equally varied—earthy browns, soft pinks, and metallic silvers blended together seamlessly, forcing the audience to focus on the intricate details of each garment.

This duality extended to the show’s broader theme: what it means to be “modern.” As Jones explored, modernity is a constant interplay between permanence and impermanence. The collection celebrated the women who have shaped Fendi, from founder Adele to her great-granddaughter Delfina, while also looking forward to the future of fashion. The final looks—gauzy, pearl-edged dresses—encapsulated this idea, bringing the collection full circle as a nod to Fendi’s century-long evolution.

Fendi’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection was more than just a fashion show; it was a love letter to the women who have shaped the house over the past hundred years. Kim Jones’s celebration of Fendi’s history was both reverent and forward-thinking, blending Jazz Age glamour with modern-day practicality. In an industry that is always looking for the next big thing, Fendi reminded us that true innovation often comes from understanding and honoring the past. And as the brand steps into its next century, it does so with grace, elegance, and a deep respect for the women who brought it this far.