BRINGING the great outdoors to the runway was exactly what Silvia Venturini Fendi planned to do with the Fendi autumn-winter 2024 collection. Her show notes began with the simple statement that “A Fendi life is one lived between town and country”.
Aptly walking the line between the muddy fields of the Italian countryside and the bustling nature of the city, AW24 was a fusion of utilitarian proportions and everyday staples all through the eyes of its atelier.
Uniting these two opposing ways of life was seen through utilising both old and new techniques to create nuanced attire. Think waxy polish on outerwear, blanket wools and leather Wellington boots. Think fisherman coats, suede and corduroy and cable kits.
The Scottish kilt became a focal point for the designer, seeing this national piece of dress find itself reimagined into long pleated shorts and flat-fronted checked skorts. Despite the heavy concentration on country-core, there were still plenty of elements for the man on the move.
Washed denim and mohair were transformed into fringed furs, trench coats and bomber jackets became statement pieces, and glossy satin ensembles arrived with FF evening brooches to emphasise its evening-wear offering.
Taking a new step for AW24, Fendi is connecting the beauty of clothes that are created for a purpose with the decadence of luxury fashion. Welly boots can be worn in the city and silk shirts can be worn in fields. The biggest take, is that duality is clearly in trend.
by Imogen Clark