EXPLORING the dualism inherent in the brand’s FF monogram, heaven and hell inspired the Fendi SS19 Menswear show. Models marched through a hellish gateway onto a catwalk lit ominously by the glow of demonic red neon artwork, which intermittently switched the letters of the word Fendi to read Fiend.
The show opened with a series of incendiary black ensembles, lifted by splashed of blood red. With loosely tailored trousers and sleek leather accessories, the brand’s Italian luxury heritage was clear to see. Shifting to include a more vibrantly patterned assortment of boxy shirts, anorak-style coats and bomber jackets, the colour palette remained resolutely neutral, mixing earthy browns with deep red and mustard shades. Tartan and the signature FF monogram print featured heavily, as did the bucket hats, socks and sandals and tiny shorts seen on the catwalks at Prada and Versace.
The show finally broke free of its hellish influences and moved into a more angelic territory, with the final series of looks bringing breezy white linen, sheer jackets and vertically striped turtlenecks to the catwalk. When it comes to SS19, menswear is clearly going to be all about the accessories, with each outfit including a duffel, backpack, phone holder or bum-bag slung casually over the clothes.
Despite its darkness, this collection retained a summery atmosphere, bringing ‘90s rave and festival-wear influences together with elegant Italian tailoring to suggest a youthful formality perfect for warmer nights.
by Rachel Parker