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From Fur Revolution to the Birth of the It Bag: How Fendi Redefined Luxury!

FASHION / 2024-11-29

When you think of Fendi, what comes to mind? Is it the iconic “FF” logo, or maybe that unforgettable moment in Sex and the City when Carrie Bradshaw’s “baguette” was snatched away? Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just know Fendi for its luxe appeal, the story behind this fashion powerhouse is one of family, innovation, and craftsmanship. Let’s take a dive into how this family-run fur empire went from a small leather shop to a global leader in style.

Fendi: From Humble Beginnings to Chic Couture

In 1925, Adele and Edoardo Fendi opened their leather and fur store in Rome. Back then, they were just another small brand focused on quality and craftsmanship. Little did they know, this small shop would go on to change the fashion game. Adele was hands-on with everything—from choosing the leather to stitching every seam—and that dedication to quality quickly attracted the city’s elite, turning their shop into a hotspot for Roman high society. And just like that, Fendi was born.

What’s even cooler? Before the famous “FF” logo, Fendi’s first logo was actually a squirrel! Silvia Venturini Fendi, the brand’s third-generation leader, shared that it was inspired by a drawing her grandfather did to represent his wife’s busy life, showing how personal the brand’s beginnings really were.

Karl Lagerfeld: The Game-Changer Who Rewrote Fendi’s Legacy

When Fendi’s five sisters—Paola, Anna, Franca, Carla, and Alda—took over, they brought bold new ideas that pushed the brand’s boundaries. Enter Karl Lagerfeld. The young designer (who would later become fashion’s “Kaiser Karl”) revolutionized Fendi with what we now call the “fur revolution.” Back in the day, fur was considered old-fashioned, but Karl had a vision. He transformed fur into something light, modern, and totally chic—giving Fendi a fresh, youthful vibe that quickly made waves in the fashion world.

The Birth of the “FF” Logo: A Bold Declaration in Simplicity

You’ve probably seen Fendi’s “FF” logo everywhere, right? Well, it’s more than just a logo—it’s an attitude. Designed by Lagerfeld, the logo actually started out as two upside-down “F”s, scribbled by Karl one day on a piece of paper. When he explained that the letters stood for “Fun Fur,” little did he know it would become one of the most iconic logos in fashion. This logo wasn’t just about luxury—it screamed rebellion, youth, and fun, challenging the old-school, stuffy image of fur fashion.

The Baguette: Fendi’s Iconic “It Bag”

Let’s talk about the Baguette, Fendi’s show-stopping bag that changed everything. Released in 1997, this sleek, baguette-shaped bag was inspired by the classic French long bread. Designer Silvia Venturini Fendi called it the “bag you carry under your arm like a baguette”—simple, stylish, and effortlessly chic. But it wasn’t until Sex and the City hit TV screens that the Baguette truly blew up. Remember Carrie Bradshaw’s iconic moment with her purple sequin Baguette? When she shouted, “This is not a bag, it’s a Baguette!”—the bag became the bag to have. It’s officially the first-ever “It Bag,” and it helped launch an entire new trend in the fashion world.

Fendi: More Than Fashion, It's History

From that little leather shop in 1925 to a global fashion empire, Fendi’s rise to the top is all about passion, persistence, and innovation. And let’s not forget the quirky anecdotes and rich history that make the brand feel so personal and relatable. So, the next time you spot a Fendi piece, remember—it’s more than just a luxury item. It’s a piece of history.

So, what’s your Fendi obsession? Is it the timeless Baguette, or maybe the chic FF-logo heels? Drop a comment and let us know!