“I am interested in looking at things that Karl has done, and seeing how we can develop them – both visually and technically,” Kim Jones says of FENDI’s Spring/Summer 2023 collection, debuted at Milan Fashion Week. Jones’ collection bases itself loosely on the turn of the millennium, transposing a floral print from the brand’s archive as well as a logo with its origins in Karl Lagerfield’s late ‘90s-early ‘00s tenure helming the brand. However, with the Womenswear artistic director of today’s inimitable future-facing gaze, the collection’s essence lies firmly in tomorrow.

Marked by contrasts, Jones hybridises effortless utility with zippy colour palettes, marrying neutral tones with the likes of cornflower blue or neon green. Technical organza billows in some cuts and nylon jersey appear adorned in lacquered embroidery. “At FENDI I am constantly thinking about practicality and luxury,” says Jones. “Adding heavy hardware to something very soft both gives it real functionality and makes it interesting.”

In the 25th year of the FENDI Baguette, this collection evidences, once again, the house’s status as the ultimate purveyor of iconic bags. Here, glossy leathers are juxtaposed with rigid canvas, peppy palettes paired with earthly hues, and large shapes with smaller ones. “At FENDI, everything comes from the conversation around the double F which makes us see things in couples,” reflects Silvia Venturini Fendi. “Even the bags become part of a family: big and small.”

Celebrities including, singer Lily Allen, supermodel Jourdan Dunn, and actor Dami Kim took in the ensembles in their full resplendency in the runway’s front row.

Head below for a glimpse at what they saw and wore themselves from the illustrious brand…