Two of the most important Italian luxury firms have come together to launch a historic collection.
Donatella Versace and Kim Jones, Fendi’s Creative Director, have teamed up to present something unprecedented so far, a collaboration that brings together the best of the two luxury brands.
Unsurprisingly from Donatella’s headquarters, the Medusa was the great omnipresent symbol throughout the room. But when the lights went out and the spotlights lit up the catwalk, the logo of both Italian houses mixed, as well as their DNA.
The history-making catwalk event saw Donatella Versace switch places with Fendi creative leads, Kim Jones and Silvia Venturini-Fendi. The idea was that each designer design and innovate on behalf of the other brand. The result was a glorious celebration of fashion and the power of collaboration, which saw both Fendi and Versace signatures blended.
Belts with the word ‘Fendace’ written in giant letters turned what seemed idyllic into reality. Trench coats with the Fendi print and the Versace logo on the back. The classic glam-inspired dress, with many glitters, with the double F of the Italian house. Handkerchiefs with the signature prints. The perfect fusion between modernity and elegance. “With the archives fully opened to both, a unique cross-fertilization occurs, with elements transposed from each house; at heart remains a deep admiration for the codes and cultures of both, together with a mutual encouragement for the designers to be themselves. Needless to say, the results could only be achieved with fundamental respect and reciprocal trust. Ultimately, Fendace is about the need for sincerity in fashion today rather than strategy.” The show notes on behalf of the two brands explained.
This fashion show had one of the most important moments in history. The collection included the supermodels of the 90s such as Kristen McMenamy who opened the show while Naomi Campbell closed it; Kate Moss and Amber Valletta made a surprising appearance as a couple of midways while Karen Elson, Mariacarla Boscono and Shalom Harlow also participated. Additionally, some of the biggest names in the industry and emerging faces were also present, including Gigi Hadid, Emily Ratjkowski and Adut Akech, along with Paloma Elsesser, Precious Lee and Mona Tougaard. It also marked the first time that Kate Moss and their daughter, Lila Grace Moss, appeared together on the same runway.
