Kim Jones had nearly zero ramp up to creating his own Fendi ethos. His Fendi woman has been unabashedly glamorous and achingly cool since he debuted his first collection in the depths of the pandemic. While she has an appreciation for the past, she most certainly doesn’t live there. That throwback mentality showed up for Spring 2022 with a collaboration with the estate of illustrators Antonio Lopez and Juan Ramos. The ’70s have been enjoying a bit of a renaissance, and Studio 54-worthy dresses that leverage Lopez’s iconic drawings feel right on time. There are also fringe dresses, suiting with bikini inspired tops layered underneath, bold patterned furs with matching bags, and sheer black lace gowns. It’s smart dressing that makes a statement—and it’s the perfect start to a week in Milano. -Kerry Pieri.
Milan Fashion Week |Fendi // Spring Summer 2022 Womenswear
Like New York and London, Milan is holding a mix of physical live shows and digital presentations this season. In February, the events were virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with designers turning to videos to present their creations.
“This is my first live show for Fendi, and it’s a celebration,” Jones said in a statement.
“Our woman has let loose a bit – she’s going out, dressing up. We’ve all been locked away for so long that I think that’s what we all need right now.”
Jones, who was named artistic director for Fendi womenswear and couture last September, said he looked to a hand-sketched logo by fashion illustrator Antonio Lopez found in the brand’s archives as the foundation for his collection.
He opened the show with all-white ensembles of slit coats, waistcoat and trouser suits, cape-like gowns and short frocks.
Lopez’ brushstrokes adorned cream kaftan tops and dresses. His artwork also featured on handbags.
Jones, who succeeded late designer Karl Lagerfeld at Fendi and works alongside the founding family’s scion Silvia Venturini Fendi, also took inspirations from Lopez’s drawings for intarsia leather designs, lace dresses and shimmering evening frocks.
There were wide-leg trouser suits worn with bralettes, tassel dresses and an array of furry coats, a staple at Fendi, part of luxury conglomerate LVMH (LVMH.PA).
Jones chose a colour palette of soft grey, pink and blue before moving to chocolate brown and black for evening wear.
“While I’ve been looking at Karl’s legacy at the house, I’ve also been looking around him, at his contemporaries – at who he was interested in,” Jones said.
“Lopez was a friend of Karl’s and has always been someone who inspired me. He was forward thinking; inclusive; looked up to by everyone from Andy Warhol to Steven Meisel and David Hockney. I wanted to introduce him to a new generation.”
Sources: Harpers Bazaar and Reuters
Images: © IMAXtree.com
#Milan Fashion Week |Fendi // Spring Summer 2022 Womenswear
#Milan Fashion Week |Fendi // Spring Summer 2022 Womenswear
#Milan Fashion Week |Fendi // Spring Summer 2022 Womenswear
#Milan Fashion Week |Fendi // Spring Summer 2022 Womenswear
#Milan Fashion Week |Fendi // Spring Summer 2022 Womenswear
