In the past year we’ve experienced social distancing, the digitalisation of fashion shows and never-ending lockdowns – things that all seemed like something out of a Black Mirror episode – and we’ve all found ourselves craving the sturdy “normality” that we once knew. But while we’re looking back on the years, pining for our old lives, Silvia Venturini Fendi dived into the much-needed conversation of what normal means today with her AW21 Menswear show in Milan.

Rather than yearning for a lost sense of stability with nostalgia, the collection revelled in unpredictability and the constant change that is inherent to the world we live in. Pulling on her optimistic and adventurous mindset, the designer teamed up with Italian artist Nico Vascellari to set the scene for the show with an exclusive dance-pop track that brought the darkroom to the future with neon-coloured hues and an immersive 360 mirrored tunnel.

As the show began, FENDI’s playfulness was seen from the outset, as one by one the models emerged from the darkness into a celebration of colour and light with oranges and fuchsia stretching to every corner of the room. Inlays with flashes of contrasting textures, and shades and linings with colour-blocked jewel palettes were seen throughout the collection, as Silvia infused this celebration with relaxed outerwear silhouettes and reversible workwear.

Of course, indoor-trendy fits have been a staple of post-pandemic dressing, as the designer focused on a breezier way of dressing, paying homage to the style with tailored trousers with slashed seams and dressing-gown style trench coats that are a looking like must-have for those cold winter office workdays. It wouldn’t be a FENDI collection without its iconic FF logo splashed over jackets and accessories, and this was no exception as we saw exposed padded lining and reimagined tailoring wrapped in the print for a weird and wonderful take on the new normal.

Cultural icon of the London underground scene Noel Fielding was in appearance, providing dreamy psychedelic artwork for the collection and revamping the FENDI logo and emphasising this season cosmic and multi-coloured collection.

As the show drew to a close with the neon beams dimming and electronic-pop fading down the tunnel, we were taken back to reality and left with thinking if this is the new normal, then we want 100% in.