ABOVE THE CLOUDS

Above the clouds of the Italian capital, Creative Director Silvia Venturini Fendi looked down upon her family brand’s founding city and concluded that freedom was the answer. The question leading to this conclusion was centred around the endless possibilities regarding the theme of the Fendi Spring Summer 2022 menswear collection. Lapping the arched walkways of the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana in Rome, Italy, models showcase the crisp lines and sharp silhouettes of the season’s collection. In her signature style, Silvia Venturi Fendi conveyed an elegance and modernity grounded in a modicum of minimalism̶a veritable example of true Italian fashion. Muted spring pastels, earthy nudes, hints of neons, and black, the collection honoured the dusty tones of the city’s landscape. Standing at the height of the Spanish Steps in the Italian capital, one can look out at the city’s horizon and take in the Greco-Roman architecture against the sun’s ambush as each building juxtaposes elements of modern life: bustling automobiles, iPhone-wielding tourists, neon storefronts and many more. The designer blends the dichotomy of eras into one singular vision by imbuing the conceptual image onto all 45 looks in the collection. Just like how the elements differ from one another, a number of cropped blazers and tops contrast more loosefitting garments to create a level of depth that exemplifies the rise and fall of Rome’s cityscape. Cropped cargo shorts are featured throughout the show, feeding the trend of rising hemlines in men’s fashion while also implementing the brand’s typical utilitarian elements.