Who owns Fendi, what is Fendi, and what are the brand’s most iconic designs?
With over 90 years of expertise, Fendi is one the most successful fashion houses worldwide, famed for its luxurious fur creations and exquisite leather goods. We bet you would recognize the signature FF monogram anywhere, but you might not be familiar with the brand’s history.
So who owns Fendi and what is Fendi?
Who owns Fendi
In 1925, Edoardo and Adele Fendi opened a small fur and leather workshop in Via del Plebescito, in the heart of Rome. The logo the founders chose was nothing like the one we know today: a squirrel, standing on a branch while holding a nut. This unusual mascot reportedly symbolized Adele’s industriousness: Edoardo used to say his wife was always busy, just like a squirrel.
In the 1950s, the couple’s five daughters (Paola, Anna, Franca, Carla, and Alda) joined the family business. Thanks to their youthful energy and creativity, Fendi flourished and gained success all over Europe.
In 1965, legendary German designer Karl Lagerfeld was appointed Creative Director. It was Lagerfeld who introduced the iconic FF monogram (known as inverted “zucca”), which today is featured on leather accessories and ready-to-wear alike.
Interestingly enough, the double F didn’t stand for Fendi, but for “Fun Furs”: Lagerfeld experimented with new techniques and treatments, transforming the classic fur coat into a soft, trendy, and versatile garment.
The brand was run by the founding family until 1999, when it was acquired. So who owns Fendi? It’s LVMH, also known as Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the French luxury conglomerate. Today, the label is headquartered in Rome, at the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana, also known as Square Colosseum.
Where is Fendi made?
The Italian brand prides itself on being entirely made in Italy, so check your pieces—if they’re made elsewhere (e.g. made in China), you’re dealing with a fake!
To honor and celebrate Italian craftsmanship, in 2020 the brand launched the “Hand in Hand” project, inviting 20 ateliers, one for each Italian region, to reinterpret the iconic Baguette bag, showcasing their unique savoir-faire.
The house has also recently invested in a new factory in Bagno a Ripoli, Tuscany, to further develop the label’s leather goods category. The factory is expected to open in 2022, and will also serve as a training center.
Fendi bags
The brand’s bags are synonymous with luxury and timeless glamour. Over the years, the house has delivered a range of marvelous clutches, shoulder bags, and totes, masterfully crafted using the finest materials—from exotic crocodile leather to supple calfskin, from recycled plastic to soft sheepskin.
The Baguette is undoubtedly Fendi’s most iconic design—a real “It” bag. Designed by Silvia Venturini Fendi (Anna Fendi’s daughter) in 1997, the Baguette gained cult status thanks to its appearance on Sex and the City, on the arm of Sarah Jessica Parker.
Meant to be carried under the arm, just like a French baguette, this chic, timeless model comes in more than a thousand iterations: find an array of different colors, patterns, fabrics, and sizes. Today, the Baguette is still the the brand’s most coveted item.
The Peekaboo (above) is another iconic design by Silvia Venturini Fendi. Introduced in 2009, this bag gets its name from its unusual construction—two halves divided by a rigid partition, and a front flap that can be pushed down to reveal the inside. For more than ten years, this playful yet sophisticated bag has been a favorite of celebrities of the likes of Chiara Ferragni, Rihanna, and Meghan Markle.
Fendi clutches come in any color and shape you could imagine, complementing both a chic evening dress and a casual brunch outfit, while the brand’s totes are perfect for those who love travelling not so light.
Fendi bags range from $650 for a Basket Mini-Bag to $38,000 for a Peekaboo Iseeu Medium—yes, you read that number right. But luckily, if you shop italist.com, you can save up to 40% on our selection of Fendi bags, as we import our items directly from Italian boutiques.
Fendi belts
If you’re looking for a statement belt to elevate any outfit, look no further than Fendi belts. Crafted from premium quality materials, they’re an investment you will not regret making! Wear them with jeans, dresses, sweaters, trench coats… and turn heads everywhere you go.
We love the Elaphe belt, a narrow belt made in unique python-print elaphe leather and featuring the iconic FF monogram. If you’re feeling bold, wear it with the white Touch bag with python-printed elaphe leather details.
For a more subtle look, we recommend this simple neutral-colored leather belt—a classic, refined style, crafted in supple calf leather and featuring a FF stud buckle in a vintage-gold finish.
Fendi belts are a great entry point into the luxury fashion world. You will spend an average of $400—which is still pricey, we know. But at italist, we have the best pricing offer on the market.
Now that you know who owns Fendi and what is Fendi, discover our large selection of Fendi for women and Fendi for men, and save up to 40% on the original price.
Fendi Shoes Size Chart
About the Author
Alex English is the Head of Content Marketing at italist.com, building on a lifelong passion for fashion and luxury. After publishing a lifestyle blog for nearly ten years and obtaining an MBA in Milan at SDA Bocconi, one of Europe’s top business schools, he joined the italist team in 2019. His work since then has focused on upper-funnel messaging, brand storytelling, establishing italist as a thought leader in the space, and enriching the customer experience on the platform. Find him on LinkedIn.