Tomorrow, as Fendi celebrates its 80th anniversary and the opening of its new Peter Marino designed flagship boutique at 677 Fifth Avenue in New York City, Bernard Arnault, Chairman of LVMH will announce the creation of a new Fendi Rome Prize Fellowship for emerging designers.

Roman fashion house Fendi had partnered with the New York based non- profit organization, the American Academy in Rome, one of the world's leading centers for independent study and research in the arts and humanities to unite fashion and art.

The Fendi Rome Prize will encourage fashion designers to apply for a design fellowship. And like the other fellowships under the Rome Prize, the awardee will be given the opportunity to live and work in residence in Rome.

On April 20, 2006 Fendi and the American Academy will join together again for the 2006 Rome Prize Ceremony to announce the 2006-07 Rome Prize Winners and to kick off the search for the first Fendi Rome Prize Fellowship fashion designer.

For more information about the American Academy in Rome, please log on: www.aarome.org

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