Silvia Venturini Fendi stands as the last remaining member of the Fendi family working at the storied Italian house, which her grandparents founded in 1925. With her heritage stitched into the DNA of the brand, Silvia’s approach to design combines an understanding of legacy with a clear view of what’s current. She’s best known as the visionary behind Fendi’s Baguette bag—that ubiquitous ‘It’ accessory of the late ’90s, which helped define a generation and continues to evolve as a cultural icon today.
As Creative Director for menswear, accessories, and children’s lines, Silvia Venturini Fendi has deftly steered Fendi through both tradition and transformation. When Karl Lagerfeld passed away in 2019, ending a 54-year partnership with the house, she stepped into the creative spotlight to co-direct the women’s collection alongside Kim Jones. It marked a new chapter—one defined by synergy, respect for the house’s past, and an appetite for innovation. Her work often nods to Fendi’s roots in fur and craftsmanship while pushing boundaries with materials and technique.
Born into a family business but armed with her own artistic vision, Silvia shaped Fendi’s aesthetic from the ground up, managing everything from marketing to fashion shows before moving on to become the force behind its menswear in 2000. Her design for the Baguette bag in 1997 became an instant classic, recognized as much for its irreverent spirit as its distinctive silhouette. The success of this icon earned Fendi a Fashion Group International award for accessories in 2000, cementing Silvia’s reputation as a creative powerhouse.
Even today, Silvia’s role is vital in maintaining Fendi’s global appeal. Whether it’s collaborating on the couture collections or redefining menswear for the brand’s evolving audience, her influence keeps Fendi in the now—crafting luxury that feels personal, spontaneous, and entirely fresh. It’s a family story, but it’s also a story about the future of Italian fashion, continuously reimagined by one of its original architects.