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Fendi: Impressive!
By: Godfrey Deeny
Photos by Gruber-FWD
Milan, Jun 16, 2002/FWD/ --- Prada boss Patrizio Bertelli will rue the day he sold his stake
in Fendi if he catches a video of the men’s collection the house showed in Milan Monday
morning.
The clothes, attitude, mood and, above all, accessories were just the right mélange of
impeccable quality and creativity that a venerable brand like Fendi merits.
But what was best about this show was the manner in which it suggested new ways of wearing
classic looks, such as gentlemanly leather topcoats paired with bowling shoes or short boxing
boots.
Fendi’s classy monogram was much in evidence, but never too heavy-handedly. The famed F came
in black porkpie hats, saddled stitched belts and witty nylon overalls.
On top that, there was an impressive series of sleek modern clothes: corn-gold double-breasted
shearlings, nylon parachute pants, crisp leather pants, and an Astrakhan topcoat that reeked
class.
The house’s atelier is also clearly in top form, judging from the wonderful leather satchels
with spider-web patterns and slew of Western-style tooled leather briefcases.
With debts mounting, Prada clan leader Bertelli was forced sell his group’s stake in Fendi
last year to LVMH, giving the French luxury giant majority control.
One way of cheering up Patrizio would be to buy him one of the to-die-for briefcases as a
present. Or would that be rubbing salt in the wounds?
Fendi Menswear
Fendi Menswear
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