High Life...

Luxury Incorporated!
SILVIA FENDI, Creative Director, Accessories and Menswear, Fendi, talks to AINDRILA MITRA about her brand, the couture market in India and her inspirations...

 


you represent the third generation of the Fendi spirit. Do you think that the luxury essence has undergone any change?
Our company started in 1925 as a family business. Today, Fendi is identified as a world renowned luxury brand. From the time we started, certain aspects of luxury may have changed, but the essential spirit of the brand still remains the same. The enthusiasm and passion that Fendi reflects has remained the same from generation to generation.

how would you define the fashion spirit of Fendi?
Personally I feel Fendi embodies the free spirit. All our creations are rich with curiosity and are projected to the future.

You had started the ‘Fendissime’ line with your sister. What was it all about?
It was a line conceived for young people from the House of Fendi. For that line, I worked together with my sister, Maria Teresa and my cousin, Federica for five years. However, in 1992, I started working for Fendi with Karl Lagerfeld. So, the Fendissime line was suspended.

In 1994, you were heading the Fendi leather goods and accessories. what appeals to you more — designing couture or accessories?
I love my job and take pride in whatever I do. For me, it means continuous research and dedication. I can express my creativity through the collections that I design — be it couture or accessories.

You created the ‘Baguette’ which became an icon bag. What was the inspiration behind it?
Honestly, the ‘Baguette’ was the right bag at the right moment. It is a bag that you can carry under your arm, close to the body and also as an extension of the body itself. It’s not just a simple object that you tag along. This bag created a big statement and made a revolution in the fashion world. Besides, the ‘Baguette’, another popular bag was the ‘Spy’ bag. I wanted something big, but with some secret pouches. The Spy bag is feminine and stylish. In fact, it did so well, that we got many proposals to come out with various versions of this model — from the simpler leather versions to the embroidered and precious ones.

While designing, how do you predict the future trends?
[Pause] As a creative person myself, I’m sensitive to every mood, every change and every innovation around me. The trend is in the air!

Since 2000, you’ve also been designing the men’s line. What sets that apart?
The men’s collection reflects every season of what the Fendi man stands for me. For the SS07 Menace collection, I’ve created a line that appeals to the young metropolitan executive. This collection has great detailing in terms of the essential shapes and the neutral colours used.

are you looking at creating any special lines keeping the Indian taste in mind?
In the future, maybe I will. I was inspired by my recent trip to India — its colours, smells and the fantastic people. I have definitely been motivated creatively.


 

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