Like other major European luxury fashion houses, Fendi started small. Adele Casagrande was an Italian creative who loved fashion and sold leather and fur accessories from a tiny workshop she opened in Rome in 1918. However, after marrying Edoardo Fendi in 1925, her business model was altered dramatically. Together, the couple changed the boutique’s name to Fendi and moved into a bigger storefront, which quickly became the favorite shop of women all over Italy’s capital city for furs and leathers, such as handbags, coats and accessories.
As time moved on for Adele and Edoardo, the couple began to distribute more responsibility to their five daughters, who assumed management of the company during the 1950s. Fendi’s audience broadened and its profitability has soared over the years, owing to the brand’s fresh perspective on fashion world happenings and innovative sensibility.
The maison also has a distinctive relationship with old-world Italian craftsmanship. The Selleria bags were the work of master saddlers in Rome, and Fendi partnered with lace artisans in southern Italy as well as craftsmen in the east trained in the intrecciato (intertwined) technique (an idea that Adele introduced during the 1940s), which, in Fendi’s case, sees an interwoven leather fabric integrated in the creation of its handbags, countering leather’s traditional rigidity with a bag that is soft, versatile and fitted with an alluring slouchy curve.
It wasn’t until 1965, however, when a young German designer named Karl Lagerfeld took the creative helm that Fendi became a world-renowned fashion house. In fact, Lagerfeld, who produced four to five collections yearly for the brand, is credited with creating Fendi’s instantly recognizable double-F logo (which stands for “Fun Furs”) in “less than five seconds.” Until Lagerfeld started designing for the brand, fur was a material mostly associated with heavy coats that few people actually wore. Lagerfeld reimagined fur in creative ways, using it as an accent on purses, cuffs on dress sleeves and collars on wool coats.
Over the ensuing years, Fendi has broken into the home-goods market with Fendi Casa and has become synonymous with luxury fashion, producing such pieces as the iconic Baguette, which was rendered ever popular on the television series Sex and the City. In fact, an entire episode during the third season was dedicated to the “original It bag,” a slim accessory tapered in a manner that recalls its namesake, designed in 1997 by Adele and Edoardo’s granddaughter Silvia Venturini Fendi, who was named creative director of accessories three years earlier.
Perhaps just as well known as its vintage Baguette handbags and creative use of fur is the brand’s devotion to its Italian roots. In 2013, Fendi donated more than 2 million euros to restore Rome’s Trevi Fountain, and when it was reopened to visitors, Fendi hosted its Autumn/Winter 2017 show on top of the landmark.
Fendi was a family-controlled brand until 1999 and is now owned by LVMH. In late 2020, British fashion designer Kim Jones was named the house’s artistic director for womens wear.
Find a wide variety of vintage Fendi handbags and purses, clothing and other accessories on 1stDibs.
Black Fendi Suede Pointed-Toe Knee-High Heeled Boots Size 7
By Fendi
Located in New York, NY
Black suede pointed-toe knee-high heeled boots by Fendi. Elasticized gores at upper counters. Zip closures at counters. 20.5" shaft height, 1.5" heel height.
FENDI 100% virgin wool grey drawstring waistband casual dress trousers IT46 S
By Fendi
Located in Hong Kong, NT
FENDI 100% virgin wool grey drawstring waistband casual dress trousers IT46 S Reference: CNLE/A00274 Brand: Fendi Material: Virgin Wool Color: Grey Pattern: Solid Closure: Drawstring...
Fendi New Striped Logo Cotton Gavroche
By Fendi
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Fendi new cotton gavroche, striped pattern with coin design. No label.
$496Sale Price|58% Off
Fendi Navy with Contrast Pink Piping Trim Cropped Denim Jacket
By Fendi
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Featuring two front flap pockets and six buttons fastening. This denim jacket is unique with a shocking pink wool trim. Elegant yet chic is the modern day world attire. - The jac...
$135Sale Price|50% Off
FENDI Flowerland leather spike stud mesh crew neck pullover sweater S
By Fendi
Located in Hong Kong, NT
FENDI Flowerland leather spike stud mesh crew neck pullover sweater S Reference: ANWU/A00791 Brand: Fendi Collection: Flowerland Material: Feels like cotton Color: Black Pattern: Sol...
Fendi Metallic Knitted Dress With Mink Fur & Pearl Floral Adornment
By Fendi
Located in London, GB
Fendi Metallic Knitted Dress With Mink Fur & Pearl Floral Adornment Multi coloured, striped knitted dress with 3D Mink fur flower and pearl center. Ruffled neckline and sleeves nip...
Fendi Skirt size M
By Fendi
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Fabric tag missing Polyester Pink color Check pattern Total length cm 75 (295 inches) Waist cm 42 (165 inches) Size M / italian 44 Real color is pink like in th...
Fendi Bikini Monogram Glitter
By Fendi
Located in Bressanone, Trentino-Alto Adige
Fendi bikini / two-piece swimwear, zucchino print, two tone black and gold. Size 40 IT Condition: Excellent.
$417Sale Price|40% Off
Borsa a Tracolla Fendi Portacellulare Nylon FF Azzurro
By Fendi
Located in Torre Del Greco, IT
Portacellulare firmato Fendi, realizzato in nylon nella colorazione azzurro con hardware argentati. Dotato di una chiusura superiore a zip, internamente rivestito in tessuto nero, ca...
Fendi NIB Selleria 2 Tone Card Case
By Fendi
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Fendi new Selleria hand made 2 tone credit card case. Includes tag, original box and dust cover.
Fendi Anthracite Trench Coat
By Fendi
Located in Bressanone, Trentino-Alto Adige
Fendi coat, color anthracite, size 38 IT. Condition: Really good.
Fendi Black and Brown 2000s Jacket
By Fendi
Located in Bressanone, Trentino-Alto Adige
Fendi jacket in tessuto color black and brown (suede effect), double F gold logo on both front pockets. Size 44 IT. Condition: Really good.
Fendi By The Way 2way Boston 869382 White Leather Shoulder Bag
By Fendi
Located in Dix hills, NY
Width (inch) : 12.5 inch(approx) Width (cm) : 32 cm(approx) Height (inch) : 6.69 inch(approx) Height (cm) : 17 cm(approx) Depth (inch) : 5.11 inch(approx) Depth (cm) : 13 cm(app...
Fendi Burgundy Monogram FF Zucca Roll Tote Shopper Bag 112f15
By Fendi
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: 32028BH025019 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 17" Width: 5" Height: 10.5" Shoulder Handle Drop: 8" OVERALL VERY GOOD CONDITION ( 8/10 or AB ) Signs...
Fendi Brown x Black x Gold FF Zucca Logo Scarf 2f815a
By Fendi
Located in Dix hills, NY
Measurements: Length: 19.2" Width: .1" Height: 19.5" No Care Tag OVERALL NEW CONDITION ( 10/10 or N ) Signs of Wear: Exterior Canvas: Excellent Back: Excellent Corners: Excellen...
FENDI One Size Grey Red Diagonal Stripe Silk Tie
By Fendi
Located in San Francisco, CA
FENDI necktie in a grey and red silk featuring a diagonal stripe pattern. Handmade in Italy.Very Good Pre-Owned Condition.Width: 3 inches Length: 58 inches Sui Generis Refer...
FENDI Green Navy Diagonal Stripe Silk Tie
By Fendi
Located in San Francisco, CA
FENDI necktie in a green and navy silk featuring a diagonal stripe pattern. Handmade in Italy.Very Good Pre-Owned Condition.Width: 3.5 inches Length: 58 inches Sui Generis...
Fendi Black Monogram FF Zucca Dome Bag 927ff54
By Fendi
Located in Dix hills, NY
Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 15.5" Width: 5" Height: 10.75" Handle Drop: 5.5" OVERALL GOOD CONDITION ( 7/10 or B ) Signs of Wear: Exterior Canvas: Very Minor Scuffing, ...
Fendi Brown x Black Pequin Stripe Umbrella 1025f3
By Fendi
Located in Dix hills, NY
Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 15.5" Width: 3" Height: 15.5" Open Length: 39" OVERALL VERY GOOD CONDITION ( 7.5/10 or B+ ) Accessories: Cover Signs of Wear: Exterior: Very...
Fendi Zucchino Skirt
By Fendi
Located in Bressanone, Trentino-Alto Adige
Fendi mid length skirt in zucchino monogrammed fabric color grey and blue. Size 40 IT. Condition: Really good.
Fendi Black Green Nylon CamouFF Camo Sling Crossbody Messenger 76f513s
By Fendi
Located in Dix hills, NY
Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 7" Width: 1.5" Height: 12" Shoulder Handle Drop: 15"-24" OVERALL VERY GOOD CONDITION ( 8/10 or AB ) Signs of Wear: Exterior Nylon: Excell...
Fendi Black Logo Shopper Tote Bag 104f45
By Fendi
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: 23847VA019028 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 16" Width: .5" Height: 14.5" Shoulder Handle Drop: 11" OVERALL VERY GOOD CONDITION ( 8/10 or AB ) S...
Fendi Black Zucca Monogram Knit V-Neck Cardigan
By Fendi
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Fendi Black Zucca Monogram Knit V-Neck Cardigan is a sophisticated and versatile piece that seamlessly combines luxury with comfort. Crafted from a blend of cotton and viscose, i...
Fendi 3 Piece Pant Set Lace and Wool 6 New
By Fendi
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic Fendi stunning black lace button down top features slit sleeves. Fabric wraps and twists at the wrist to create a soft puff. Black spaghetti strap camisole goes ...
$2,087
Fendi dress Winter 2018
By Fendi
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
FENDI - (Made in Italy) Vintage-style white dress embroidered with a 'doily' pattern. Embroidered shirt collar. Size 40FR indicated. 2018 Fall-Winter Collection. Condition: Very goo...
$304Sale Price|20% Off
FENDI Size 36 Navy Blue Stripe Cotton Blend Sweatpants
By Fendi
Located in San Francisco, CA
FENDI sweatpants comes in a navy cotton blend with a blue stripe detail featuring a front pleat, zipper pockets, elastic waist, and a zip fly closure. Made in Italy. Very Good Pre-Ow...
$481Sale Price|20% Off
FENDI Size 33 Black White Logo Cotton Zip Fly Jeans
By Fendi
Located in San Francisco, CA
FENDI comes in a black cotton denim featuring a slim fit, logo waistband, and a zip fly closure. Made in Italy.Excellent Pre-Owned Conditions. Marked: 33/34 Measurements: Wa...
$664Sale Price|20% Off
FENDI Size M Green Brown Abstract Silk Button Up Long Sleeve Shirt
By Fendi
Located in San Francisco, CA
FENDI shirt comes in brown and green camouflage silk woven material with monster Fendi signature print, contrast detail, a button up closure. Made in Italy.Excellent Pre-Owned Condit...
$480Sale Price|20% Off
FENDI Size 40 Regular Black Wool Notch Lapel Sport Coat
By Fendi
Located in San Francisco, CA
FENDI sport coat comes in a black wool with a full liner featuring a notch lapel, slit pockets, double back vent, and a double button closure. Made in Italy. Very Good Pre-Owned Cond...
$3,996Sale Price|20% Off
NEW Exotic FENDI Cream Selleria Leather Shoulder Bag XL Size
By Fendi
Located in Switzerland, CH
Rare FENDI shoulder bag made in the famous Fendi Selleria leather with rare exotic snakeskin trimmings Details: Made of Ivory Roman leather Exoti...
Fendi Gold Edition Leather Flat Sandals, Size 38.5
By Fendi
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Product details: The shoes feature gladiator style, gold and black leather and cross style with wavy motif.