Fendi’s Spring/Summer 2023 Haute Couture show, presented in Paris on Thursday 26 January, was a stunning display of elegance and style. The show was inspired by the Italian concept of sprezzatura, which embodies a form of casualness and class. The artistic directors of the house, Kim Jones and Silvia Venturini Fendi, seem to have converged this season around this quintessentially Italian idea.
Jones, the designer behind the women’s collections, transformed the classic undergarments into stunning evening dresses. The models were draped in airy, light, transparent and silky pieces that emphasized their curves and movements. The recurrent use of tulle, fine mesh and lace, combined with tight cuts and drapes, created a second-skin effect that was completed with bright, soft, and neutral tones.
Jones spoke of this collection as “an inner world transformed into an outer world“, with the gowns and asymmetrical drapes reminiscent of the female sculptures of ancient Rome. The designer also highlighted the craftsmanship of the Fendi workshops, where delicate lace trims, Japanese mohair wool, and meticulous crochet techniques were applied to the pieces. The tulle dresses gathered along the bust created a sinuous line that added grace to the models’ movements.
The Fendi workshops also showcased their virtuosity through the use of lamé and sequined fabrics that sparkled with understated elegance. The soft, shiny leather gloves and ear jewels added the final touch of glamour to the show.
