Fendi Honors Karl Lagerfeld with a Spectacular Couture Show in Rome
In a momentous celebration of haute couture, Fendi hosted its first fashion show under the creative direction of Maria Grazia Chiuri in Rome, paying homage to the legendary fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld. This significant event took place in the city where Fendi was established in 1925, rather than in the more traditional locale of Milan, thereby emphasizing its roots and the legacy of Lagerfeld, who served as the artistic director for over fifty years until his passing in 2019.
The show was held at the National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art, which also featured a revival of Lagerfeld's renowned exhibition from 1985 that showcased the intersection of fashion and art. Titled "After steps through work. Fendi/Karl Lagerfeld 1985," this exhibition will be available to the public until October 25, inviting visitors to explore the intricate processes behind haute couture creation. The original 1985 exhibition sparked considerable debate, as it was one of the first instances of fashion being presented in an art museum setting, which some critics viewed as a controversial intrusion of fashion into the art world.
Silvia Venturini Fendi, the honorary president of the brand, recalled the profound impact of that exhibition, noting how it stirred discussions among art critics and even led to parliamentary debates regarding the validity of fashion as an art form. Since then, collaborations between museums and fashion houses have become increasingly common, solidifying fashion's status as a legitimate artistic expression recognized globally.
Now owned by the French luxury group LVMH since 2001, Fendi's choice of Maria Grazia Chiuri as its creative director marks a significant return for the designer, who began her career in the company under Lagerfeld's mentorship. After her successful tenures at Valentino and Dior, where she made history as the first female artistic director, Chiuri expressed her desire to honor those who inspired her in her early career, specifically the Fendi sisters and Lagerfeld himself. This dedication to heritage and artistry was palpable throughout the show, making it a memorable night for the fashion community.
Rome's National Gallery, housing the most significant collection of 19th and 20th-century Italian art, including works by masters like Giorgio de Chirico and Amedeo Modigliani, provided a fitting backdrop for this celebration of fashion and art, reiterating the inseparable bond between the two fields.
As reported by ma.fashionnetwork.com.
