At Fendi’s autumn/winter 2019 show, which presented Lagerfeld’s last designs, the notes provided to press celebrated the late icon’s relationship with the brand as “fashion’s longest love story, one that will continue to touch our lives for years to come”. Silvia Venturini Fendi, who met Lagerfeld at the age of five and grew up with him as her family and mentor, currently heads up the house. It will be her work in collaboration with the creative studio that will be displayed this summer. Fendi’s last Rome show was held in honour of the brand’s 90th anniversary. The autumn/winter 2016 couture collection was sent down a spectacular catwalk set surrounding the Trevi Fountain, which the company helped to restore as part of its philanthropic endeavours. It was testament to what Serge Brunschwig, Fendi chairman and CEO, described as “Karl’s immense culture, his ability to rejuvenate at all times, to taste all the arts, to not overlook any style”, upon his death. “He leaves us an enormous heritage, an inexhaustible source of inspiration to continue,” he said in the sentiment that will be realised come July 4.
