Dear Shaded Viewers,
We are informed that Versace by Fendi – Fendi by Versace is not a collaboration. What it is is a unique cross-fertilisation respecting the codes of the two iconic houses and creating their new born. The two fashion icons Donatella Versace and Silvia Venturini Fendi have stepped away from their family houses and , with the vision of Kim Jones, pointed the way to an unprecedented move between two brands disrupting the established order of things and doing it with great success. The end product is inspired by friendship and mutual professional respect-the double signature of Fendace is a swap with roles exchanged. Jones and Venturini-Fendi take on the design of women’s and menswear and take their inspiration from immersing themselves in the archives and codes and culture of each of the houses.
Inspired bby the mid-to-late nineties period, VERSACE BBY FENDI, explores an idea of duality, melding the Fendi Monogram with the Versace Greek Key motif. FENDI BY VERSACE takes on a more punk rock stance with Donatella Versace declaring contamination and disruption to be key. Safety pins proliferate, puncturing Fendi signs and symbols. Chain mail is married with lace and crystal-encrusted F’s in an interpretation of the Monogram. Silk faille mimics denim and shearlings are shaved.
The shows are dedicated to Kip Sims, a dear friend and colleague of Kim Jones and the house of Fendi. Thoughts and love are with his family today.
Later,
Diane
