Fendi’s Fur Fascination

The celebrated furrier explores history, tradition, artisanal craftsmanship and its links with Rome at a groundbreaking exhibition held in Italy

endi was in full swing as the brand hosted and celebrated the Maison’s unique craftsmanship and creativity, as well as the distinctive elements of its luxurious core values, at the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana.

The “Fendi Roma – The Artisans of Dreams” exhibition highlighted the intrinsic handcrafted and artistic value of the Fendi DNA, expressing the Maison’s dual perspectives of looking to both its heritage and to the future of an art and craft of which Fendi is a master.

Fendi’s values of innovation, craftsmanship, creativity and experimentation were interpreted and presented in a poetic and captivating journey spread across nine different worlds. After “Prelude”, where a one-of-a-kind Fendi fur—a multicolour gilet in mink and fox crafted with the inlay workmanship in tones of yellow and black— was displayed at the entrance; a cinema room, “Roma” then took visitors into the heart of the Fendi world. While laying down on a luxurious intarsiato fur bench, visual elements of the Fendi: Hands Make Beauty video highlighted the most significant moments and evolution of the Fendi brand.

The third environment, “Labyrinth”, immersed guests in a kaleidoscopic maze of fur tablets and wooden surfaces created throughout the years by the Fendi artisans to experiment and research on fur. The tablets were supported by a 3D brass structure that ran, like a labyrinth, through the space, on the walls, floor and ceiling. A video focused on the materiality of the furs and the endless graphic variations shed light on how tradition, innovation, creativity and handmade techniques have always coexisted in Fendi’s work.

The emotional journey into the exhibition continued with “Obsession”, a psychedelic

furry jungle made of more than 300 Bag Bugs, which showcased their reflections via a mirrored room. A luminous and dynamic atmosphere, which conceptually interpreted the Fendi Fun side (the double “F” logo stands for “Fun Fur”), delved into fantasy, daring creativity and handmade quality through the furry monsters created by Silvia Venturini Fendi.

The “Craftsmanship” area, the fourth part of the exhibition, was an expression of both the endless creativity of Karl Lagerfeld since his arrival in Fendi in 1965 and the incredible savoir-faire of the Maison’s artisans. In a graphic and visually stimulating atmosphere, in which technology met handmade heritage and expertise, guests discovered the craftsmanship of the artisans in person, while surrounded by fascinating research materials, as well as Lagerfeld’s sketches and technical tools, on a geometric floor inspired as well by the Astuccio Fur.

Meanwhile, the fall/winter 15-16 Haute Fourrure pink short cape in mink and feathers was shown in each phase of its creation, from sketch to canvas to paper model, as well as the workmanship involved together with the final fur exhibited in the room.

Guiding guests towards the next room, “Experience”, a long corridor sequenced into four experiential paths, involved the visitors in a multi-sensorial experience in a tactile relation with fur in its pure form.

Based on Roman history and the unique fantasy spirit of the Maison, in a neo-antique scene, the “Essentials” room showcased a selection of the most incredible furs and bags that best represent Fendi’s aesthetics, creative and technical revolutions.

From the archives, the Astuccio and Eskimo furs of the 1970s through to the Intarsi of the 2000s until the latest masterpiece creations of the Maison were also displayed. Iconic bags like the Baguette and Peekaboo completed the exhibition, showcasing pieces from the early collections to the present day that represent the creativity and experimentation of the Maison.

Guests then walked into the “Dream” room, where, immersed in a high-tech environment, they had the chance to assist with the projection of the Haute Fourrure Fall/ Winter 2016-17 fashion show, displayed on maxi screens through different perspectives.

The visitors concluded their experience in the Library where they were invited to discover the FENDI ROMA book conceived to celebrate 90 years of the Maison. This is a unique and fascinating exploration of the Fendi photographic archives, as well as its history, identity and its profound links with the city of Rome—all of which have been a constant source of inspiration through 90 years of storytelling.