After a successful four year-run as Artistic Director of haute couture, ready to wear and fur collections for women at Fendi, Kim Jones is stepping down. LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, Fendi’s parent company, confirmed the news, stating that he will remain Artistic Director at Dior Men’s.
Image Source: femdi.com
Kim Jones built a stellar reputation as one of the leading menswear designers during his tenure as Creative Director at Louis Vuitton from 2011 to 2018, before moving on to Dior Homme. Jones added Artistic Director of haute couture, ready to wear and fur collections for women at Fendi to his roster in 2020 and was, in fact, the first to step into the shoes filled by Karl Lagerfeld from 1965 until his passing in 2019.
Despite his inexperience with womenswear, Kim Jones’ tenure at Fendi was successful. Per the coverage of Fendi Spring Summer 2025 on WWD: ‘“I looked at all the different family members of a few Fendi generations, and have done different versions of each one,” he said, pointing to looks created with Adele, Anna, Silvia Venturini Fendi and Delfina Delletrez Fendi… While these were relatively quiet clothes, often simple in cut and restrained in embellishment, they impressed with their delicacy, finesse, and a luxury feeling, perhaps exemplified by a simple T-shirt dress in sueded crocodile that rippled like velvet as the models strolled the perimeter of the vast, square show set…’
Kim Jones experienced key milestones at Fendi. Per WWD: ‘Donatella Versace designed a Fendi collection and Jones a Versace lineup for pre-fall 2022 retailing… In 2022, Jones tapped Marc Jacobs to create a collection within Fendi’s spring 2023 women’s collection that was shown during New York Fashion Week, and also teamed with Tiffany and Co. for special Baguette handbags. He followed up in 2023 with a Stefano Pilati collaboration under the new “Friends of Fendi” banner.’
LMVH reported that a successor would be announced in due course. Per a statement, “Kim Jones made significant contributions to the brand’s creative legacy, seamlessly integrating his modern and cross-cultural aesthetics with Fendi’s historical heritage. Under his leadership, the maison reinvented its ready-to-wear and couture collections, offering an inclusive and innovative approach to fashion that constantly renewed Fendi’s Italian codes. Throughout his four years, Jones’ work was wholly guided by passion and creativity.”
Celebrity Collaborations at Fendi
Over the years, several high-profile figures have been spotted wearing Fendi on red carpets and at prominent events. A-list stars like Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Kim Kardashian have all donned Fendi pieces, showcasing the luxury brand’s versatility and timeless appeal. Rihanna, in particular, made headlines with her bold Fendi fur pieces and accessories. Similarly, Beyoncé has been seen wearing Fendi during her public appearances. These celebrities not only elevate Fendi’s prestige but also cement its status as a go-to label for high fashion.
In addition to celebrity endorsements, Fendi has collaborated with several stars on special collections and campaigns. One of the most notable partnerships was with Nicki Minaj, who launched a capsule collection titled “Fendi Prints On” in 2019. The collaboration was inspired by Minaj’s iconic line from her hit song “Chun-Li” and became a sensation within the fashion industry. Other celebrities, such as Sarah Jessica Parker, have consistently supported the brand, not only boosting its visibility but also aligning Fendi with pop culture.
FAQs on Fendi’s Unique Facts and Figures
Image Source: fendi.com
1. What is the origin of the Fendi brand?
Fendi was founded in 1925 in Rome, Italy, by Adele and Edoardo Fendi. Initially, it started as a fur and leather shop, which set the foundation for the luxury brand it is today.
2. Who are the key figures behind Fendi’s iconic success?
While Adele and Edoardo Fendi founded the brand, their five daughters—Paola, Franca, Carla, Anna, and Alda—played a pivotal role in its expansion. In 1965, Karl Lagerfeld joined as the Creative Director, a collaboration that lasted for over five decades and greatly influenced Fendi’s global success.
3. What makes Fendi’s “Baguette” bag so iconic?
The Fendi “Baguette” bag, introduced in 1997, became an instant fashion icon. Designed by Silvia Venturini Fendi, it was one of the first “it” bags of its time and has maintained its cult status in the world of luxury fashion ever since.
4. How is Fendi associated with fur craftsmanship?
Fendi is renowned for its excellence in fur craftsmanship. The brand pioneered innovative techniques in fur design, setting it apart in the luxury fashion industry. Over the years, Fendi has modernised fur wear, pushing the boundaries of traditional fur craftsmanship with a focus on creativity and artistry.
5. What are Fendi’s key contributions to sustainable fashion?
In recent years, Fendi has increased its focus on sustainability. The brand has embraced eco-friendly initiatives, including the use of sustainable materials and ensuring transparency in its supply chain, particularly with their fur and leather goods.
6. What is the significance of the Fendi headquarters in Rome?
Fendi’s headquarters are located in the historic Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana, also known as the “Square Colosseum,” in Rome. This architectural landmark is a testament to the brand’s deep connection to Italian heritage, culture, and craftsmanship.
7. What is Fendi’s relationship with the film industry?
Fendi has a longstanding relationship with the film industry, providing costumes and accessories for various movies. The brand has also collaborated with directors and participated in numerous art projects that emphasise its intersection with cinema and culture.
8. How does Fendi incorporate innovation in its designs?
Fendi has always embraced innovation, from its fur craftsmanship to experimenting with cutting-edge materials. One of its most famous innovations is the Peekaboo bag, which features a clever design that reveals the bag’s interior as part of its aesthetic appeal.
9. What role did Karl Lagerfeld play in shaping Fendi?
Karl Lagerfeld joined Fendi in 1965 as Creative Director for furs and women’s ready-to-wear collections. His creative vision transformed Fendi into a global luxury powerhouse, and he remained with the brand until his passing in 2019. His iconic “FF” logo design is still a cornerstone of Fendi’s identity.
10. How does Fendi maintain its balance between tradition and modernity?
Fendi expertly balances its rich heritage with contemporary innovation. By maintaining its deep roots in Italian craftsmanship while also embracing modern trends and technologies, Fendi has managed to remain relevant and continue its legacy of luxury in the fashion world.
Jasmeen Dugal is Associate Editor at FashionABC, contributing her insights on fashion, technology, and sustainability. She brings with herself more than two decades of editorial experience, working for national newspapers and luxury magazines in India.
Jasmeen Dugal has worked with exchange4media as a senior writer contributing articles on the country’s advertising and marketing movements, and then with Condenast India as Net Editor where she helmed Vogue India’s official website in terms of design, layout and daily content. Besides this, she is also an entrepreneur running her own luxury portal, Explosivefashion, which highlights the latest in luxury fashion and hospitality.
