Fendi: Designers in Interview – Silvia Fendi, Karl Lagerfeld & Kim Jones
Fendi is more than a fashion house – it is a legend from Rome, proving with every stitch, every collection and every campaign why Italian fashion fascinates the world. Behind the iconic double F logo are exceptional creative minds: Silvia Venturini Fendi, who carries the family’s DNA, Karl Lagerfeld, who shaped the house over decades, and Kim Jones, who is now ushering in a new era. What drives these designers, how they work and what their visions connect with the world of fashion – you will discover exclusively here.
Fendi and its creative minds: Who is behind the brand?
Few fashion houses can look back on such a personal and family-rooted creative history as Fendi. Founded in Rome in 1925, the label was launched by Adele and Edoardo Fendi as a small fur and leather goods shop. What followed was a success story that continues to this day and sets global standards. Today, Fendi stands alongside icons such as German fashion designers and international giants as one of the most coveted luxury labels of all time.
Three names stand at the heart of Fendi’s creative identity:
- Silvia Venturini Fendi – family spirit and innovator
- Karl Lagerfeld – visionary and icon for decades
- Kim Jones – modern renewer with a global perspective
Silvia Venturini Fendi: Heir and Visionary
As the granddaughter of founder Adele Fendi, Silvia Venturini Fendi carries her family’s creative legacy with remarkable ease and depth. She is responsible for accessories as well as the menswear collections – and is therefore partly responsible for some of the most sought-after it-pieces in luxury fashion. The famous Baguette bag? Silvia’s creation. A piece of cultural history, displayed in museums and ending up in millions of hands around the world.
In the interview, Silvia speaks openly about her inspiration: the streets of Rome, the craftsmanship of her artisans, and the awareness of tradition without forgetting the present. Anyone wanting to enter the fashion world should know what requirements for a modelling career are necessary – because labels like Fendi are specifically looking for faces that embody their aesthetic.
Karl Lagerfeld: The Genius Behind the Double-F
Karl Lagerfeld worked for Fendi for over five decades and shaped the brand like no other. It was he who designed the iconic double-F logo – a symbol now recognised in every metropolis across the world. His ability to unite tradition and avant-garde made Fendi a brand that never stagnated. Lagerfeld loved provocation, but always with style. For Fendi, this meant: extravagant fur collections, surprising material experiments and shows that filled history books.
“Fashion is what you wear. Everything else is just costume. Fendi is fashion in its purest sense – uncompromising, honest and always a step ahead.”
Lagerfeld’s influence on Fendi is still clearly felt today. Those who follow the collections can see his fingerprint in the precision of the cuts, the quality of the materials and the dramatic staging of each show – whether at the Milan Fashion Week or on other international stages.
Kim Jones: Fendi’s New Era of Couture
With Kim Jones, another exceptional talent has stepped onto Fendi’s stage. The British designer, known for his work at major luxury houses, has brought a new dimension to the brand’s womenswear. His collections combine classical haute couture techniques with a modern, global outlook. Jones has no fear of collaborations – quite the opposite: he sees them as a necessity to keep fashion alive.
Collaborations and Cultural Bridges
Under Jones’ leadership, collaborations emerged that made the fashion world take notice. He has the ability to weave together the art world, pop culture and luxury fashion into a coherent language. The result are collections that convince equally in galleries and on the catwalk. For aspiring models who want to walk these shows,
Kim Jones also shows how important a deep understanding of craftsmanship is. Fendi has its own ateliers in Rome, where artisans apply techniques that are generations old. This combination of old and new is the heart of his work for the house.
The Fendi Runway as a Career Launchpad
Fendi shows are only walked by the best models in the world. Anyone who wants to make it onto this catwalk needs first-class preparation. It starts with the right model measurements and requirements, moves on to a professional
The Fendi designers in direct comparison
The three most important creative roles at Fendi differ significantly from each other in style, background and influence. The following table provides a structured overview:
| Designer | Field | Signature Element | Global Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silvia Venturini Fendi | Accessories & Men’s Fashion | Baguette Bag, Family Tradition | Guardian of the Fendi Heritage |
| Karl Lagerfeld | Overall Creative Direction (historically) | Double-F Logo, Fur Collections | Most Influential Figure in Brand History |
| Kim Jones | Ladies’ Fashion & Haute Couture | Art Collaborations, Modern Couture | Renewal of the Global Luxury Segment |
What Sets Fendi Castings Apart
Anyone wishing to work for Fendi – whether as a model, emerging designer or in another creative field – must understand that the house does not make compromises. The brand looks for personalities, not carbon copies. This applies equally to the creative directors and the models on the runway.
How to prepare optimally for a casting
A casting for a luxury brand like Fendi requires much more than good looks. Whoever knows how to
For entry into the international fashion world, geographical locations are also relevant. Models who want to work globally should find out about
Checklist: Ready for a luxury fashion casting?
- ☐ Professional model portfolio prepared
- ☐ Measurements meet the requirements
- ☐ Serious modelling agency as representation
- ☐ Brand research completed prior to casting
- ☐ Catwalk training completed
- ☐ Casting outfit chosen in line with brand guidelines
- ☐ Mental preparation and self-confidence trained
Those unsure whether their own requirements are sufficient should find out about the
Fendi and the Fashion Weeks: Stages of the World
Fendi presents its collections mainly during the Milan Fashion Week – the natural home of Italian luxury fashion. However, the house is also present at the
For aspiring models at the beginning of their careers, a
Frequently asked questions about Fendi and the designers
Who is currently responsible for creative direction at Fendi?
Kim Jones has been leading the women’s Haute Couture and Ready-to-Wear lines at Fendi since his appointment. Silvia Venturini Fendi is simultaneously responsible for accessories and menswear. Both work closely together and uphold the house’s tradition without hindering its development.
What role did Karl Lagerfeld play for Fendi?
Karl Lagerfeld worked as creative director for Fendi for over five decades and shaped the brand more than anyone else. He designed the double F logo and was largely responsible for the international recognition of the house. His collections repeatedly set new benchmarks in luxury fashion.
How can I work as a model for a label like Fendi?
The path to a luxury label like Fendi goes through a professional agency, a strong portfolio and extensive experience in the sector. Important are the right
What does a model on a Fendi level earn?
The pay at this level depends on experience, agency and job. Generally speaking: the more exclusive the label, the higher the fee. A good overview of realistic figures is provided by our article on
Are you ready to start your own career in the fashion world? Then apply now and take the first step towards your future.
Snipes x Adidas with Ariane in Berlin - New Streetwear
Milva x JOSH V: Autumn Campaign – Elegance Meets High Fashion
Nafa Salvana x Diesel SS
Clara in Sweden for MAYZ: #1 Collection - "Ode to the Ocean" + Video
Fila Videos: Fashion Show, Celebrities and Interview
Mango: Brand, History, Campaign & Bestsellers
