A Sun-Kissed Collection Brings Optimism to Fendi for Spring/Summer 2020

Spring/Summer 2020 was Silvia Venturini Fendi’s first independent season for the Fendi house since Karl Lagerfeld’s passing. With it, we were given a clear-eyed look at what the future has in store for the brand and, really, it’s not that much different from what it looked like when Lagerfeld and Fendi were a team.

That’s a good thing as their joint vision has proved to be a successful one, especially in recent years, with the house’s codes skewing younger. Fendi’s presentation was heavy on summertime youth nostalgia, backed by a big setting sun, which cast a pinkish glow on the proceedings.

Fendi’s presentation was heavy on summertime youth nostalgia.

The collection’s feeling of a moment in the sun was born out in golden-toned neutral hues, occasionally interrupted by bright psychedelic floral prints and a hint of camo. What was light and easy were the sheer checkered tops, bikinis, slick printed rain gear, glittering blousons, and ruffled maxis. However, most of these effervescent pieces were paired with heavier cover-ups – think: chunky waffle-woven cardigans, fur coats, padded-and-quilted separates, and roomy raver pants.

Given the theme, it was a bit of a contradiction, but it also spoke to Fendi’s understanding of its clients. Globally, the weather patterns are hardly consistent, so the trans-seasonal mood made sense. For Spring, the Fendi girl might very well need a micro-checked bikini for a dip in the pool or a glossy raincoat for a torrential downpour, but in other parts of the world, a crisp suede jacket or fur coat make more sense.