The incorporation of leather and various patterns in clothing details and accessories
DA MAN: What inspired Fendi men’s spring/summer ’17 collection?
Silvia Venturini Fendi: The collection is really inspired by summertime and by the sun. I would call this collection sun and fun. That is why I decided to have the models walk by a pool [for the runway show].
The incorporation of leather and various patterns in clothing details and accessories
DA MAN: Comfort and snugness seemed to be the highlights the fall/winter 2016 collection. What about the spring/summer ’17 collection?
Silvia Venturini Fendi: This collection is about enjoying life and simple pleasures like being by the pool and smelling the fresh air with your feet on the grass. It is about the sun and also keeping a fun element in the collection.
DA MAN: Figures like Salvador Dalí and David Hockney were said to inspire the collection. How did you select the artists?
Silvia Venturini Fendi: I was also very much inspired by people that have been breaking the rules of the conventional way of dressing, like Pablo Picasso or Salvador Dalì—artists that have been dressing with very personal clothes. That’s why I called an artist to work on our iconic stripes, the Pequin, that was so popular in the ’80s and ’90s for our travel line. We did beautiful watercolor on our Pequin stripes.
The incorporation of leather and various patterns in clothing details and accessories
DA MAN: Terrycloth appeared to be a unique element in the collection. In what way was the fabric incorporated into the designs?
Silvia Venturini Fendi: The collection is made of simple clothes with very light and fluid fabrics to give off an easygoing attitude. The flowing, washed silks and viscose are used to really stress this concept of freedom. Terrycloth is used profusely: [it’s] a plush indulgence, like summer fur.
A roundup of bags of the season
DA MAN: You’re known particularly for your “it” bag creations. Which bags from the collection do you think will become big hits?
Silvia Venturini Fendi: Each of the bags is very distinctive and fits different personalities. The unmistakable Fendi backpacks were inspired by a photo of Albert Einstein lying carefree on the beach, barelegged and in sandals. In keeping with that relaxed vibe, the backpack also retains a functional aspect—well-padded and large enough to comfortably fit a laptop with dedicated pockets for smartphones for the man on the go.
The bags with faces were designed with the independent and sophisticated man in mind. He has his own opinion and vision. The faces were designed by John Booth, a young illustrator and textile designer. Together, the Picasso-esque face was born with an exuberant colorful creation that can be seen all over the Fendi bags.
Finally, the Classic Peekaboo now comes in a smaller size—perfect for the sophisticated businessman on the go. It is also made from the Selleria bag model, and is a highly practical and stylish bag that is fully functional, dedicated to holding belongings while retaining a stylish edge for the modern man.
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