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.
Vintage 1990s Fendi Zucchino FF Monogram Raspberry Canvas Baguette
By Fendi
Located in Morongo Valley, CA
A Fendi Baguette in raspberry Zucchino FF monogram canvas, circa late 1990s-2000s, with silver-tone hardware and black leather trim. Accompanied by original authenticity card. - Zuc...
Fendi Pink Beige Zucchino Monogram Canvas Tote Shopping Bag
By Fendi
Located in Rome, Rome
Embrace the charm of Italian luxury with this Fendi Zucchino Monogram Canvas Tote, a piece that beautifully captures the essence of the 2010-2019 era. This medium-sized tote is a sta...
Fendi Ivory Zucca Mamma FF Monogram Baguette Zip Shoulder Flap Bag 50ff423
By Fendi
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: 2258 26425 008 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 13" Width: 3.5" Height: 10" Handle Drop: 8" OVERALL GOOD CONDITION ( 7/10 or B ) Signs of Wear: Ext...
H 8.5 in W 5 in L 12.5 in
Fendi FF Monogram Zucchino Mamma Forever Baguette Shoulder Bag 1020f45
By Fendi
Located in Dix hills, NY
Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 12.5" Width: 5" Height: 8.5" Shoulder Handle Drop: 7" OVERALL VERY GOOD CONDITION ( 7.5/10 or B+ ) Signs of Wear: Exterior Nylon: Very Minor Darkening Exterior Leather and Trim: Very Minor Scratches Interior: Very Minor Fading Interior Pocket: Excellent Handle / Straps: Very Minor Scratches Corners: Excellent Edges: Very Minor Darkening Hardware: Minor Rubbing, Minor Scratches Odor: None SKU: 1020f45
Fendi Tulipano Technical Fabric FF Midi Chain Baguette Bag
By Fendi
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Fendi Tulipano Technical Fabric FF Midi Chain Baguette Bag SKU: 140372 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: A Fendi classic. The Baguette bag is synonymous wit...
H 2.5 in W 0.75 in L 2.25 in
Fendi Micro Baguette Seabeds Pink NIB
By Fendi
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Fendi micro baguette in pink. It's weaved of little plastic balls. On front of it is gold clasp with the typical F logo. The bag can be worn over ...
Runway Fendi Powder Pink Shearling Nano Baguette Charm Bag Braided Maxi Handle
By Fendi
Located in KRAKÓW, PL
**THE ULTIMATE MICRO STATEMENT** Introducing the pinnacle of whimsical Roman luxury— the Fendi Nano Baguette Charm reimagined in an exquisite combination of plush shearling and butter-soft Nappa leather. This hyper-luxurious 3-in-1 collectible accessory effortlessly transcends conventional handbag design. It serves beautifully as an independent ultra-mini crossbody bag, an elevated handheld evening statement, or a high-fashion structural charm to adorn the iconic Fendi Peekaboo or large Baguette. **HERITAGE, DESIGN & SAVOIR-FAIRE** • House: Fendi Roma • Model: Nano Baguette Charm (Maxi Braided Strap Edition) • Origin: Masterfully handcrafted in Italy • Materials: Ultra-luxurious curly shearling body (shaved sheepskin) beautifully trimmed with premium calfskin and Nappa leather. Featuring rich, tone-on-tone fine textile interior lining. • Hardware: Brilliant polished gold-finish metalware, including the iconic oversized front FF magnetic clasp, structural spring-clip carabiner hook, and a detachable delicate long chain strap. • Design Legacy: Conceived by Silvia Venturini Fendi, the Baguette shape has maintained "It-Bag" royalty status since 1997. This rare "Teddy" seasonal capsule iteration pairs the ultra-cozy, high-texture look of authentic shearling with an oversized, intricately braided leather top handle that adds magnificent architectural volume to the micro silhouette. **THE CULT-FAVORITE OF HOLLYWOOD & THE POP CULTURE ELITE** The Fendi Baguette family remains the absolute darling of global tastemakers, high-profile models, and fictional style icons. The ultra-mini and Nano charms in experimental textures (like shearling and exotic leathers) are heavily collected and mixed-and-matched by international icons, including: • Sarah Jessica Parker – The eternal muse who solidified the phrase "It's not a bag, it's a Baguette" and frequently accents her outfits with playful Fendi charms. • Kim Kardashian – Celebrated for styling matching sparkly and plush mini Baguette iterations for front-row fashion spectacles. • Gigi & Bella Hadid – Regularly photographed during Milan Fashion Week accessorizing their large streetwear totes with contrasting Fendi Nano charms...
Fendi Peekaboo Mini Powder Pink Interlaced Leather Bag
By Fendi
Located in Geneva, CH
Iconic small Peekaboo bag, the epitome of Fendi craftsmanship and creativity. This pre-owned but in perfect condition Mini Peekabooo is made of hand woven and knotted powder pink-co...
Fendi Mamma Baguette
By Fendi
Located in Bressanone, Trentino-Alto Adige
Fendi Mamma baguette in zucchini green monogrammed fabric + brown leather, leather and tessuto intrecciato handle, golden hardware. Condition: Very good, minimal signs of wear ex. :...
H 7.09 in D 4.73 in L 9.85 in
Borsa a Mano Fendi Peekaboo Mini Pitone Rosa Ricamata
By Fendi
Located in Torre Del Greco, IT
Borsa firmata Fendi, modello Peekaboo, misura mini, realizzata in pelle di pitone rosa, con ricami in rialzo neri con mini paillettes. Dotata di un manico centrale per portata a mano...
Fendi Baguette Pink Zucchino Monogram Shoulder Bag
By Fendi
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Fendi Baguette Pink Zucchino Monogram Shoulder Bag These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. This Fendi Baguette in class...
FENDI Baguette Zucca Monogram Canvas with Pink Neon trimming Crossbody Bag
By Fendi
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
FENDI Baguette Zucca Monogram Canvas with Pink Neon trimming Crossbody Bag These are professional photos of the actual bag. Fendi Baguette in Brown Zucca print canvas with electrifying neon color trimming. CONDITION: EXCELLENT Handbag has been professionally cleaned and overall in excellent condition. DETAILS Fendi Baguette Zucca print monogram canvas Hardware color: Gold...
FENDI Baguette Zucca Monogram Canvas with Pink Neon trimming Crossbody Bag
By Fendi
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
FENDI Baguette Zucca Monogram Canvas with Pink Neon trimming Crossbody Bag These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. Fendi Baguette in Brown Zucca print can...
Fendi Baguette Light Pink Medium Lambskin Leather Crossbody Bag Gold Hardware
By Fendi
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Experience luxury and style with the Fendi Baguette in luxuriously Nappa Leather Crossbody Bag. Crafted from soft nappa leather with intricate 3D FF motif embossing, this incredibly ...
Fendi Baguette Light Pink Medium Lambskin Leather Crossbody Bag Gold Hardware
By Fendi
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Experience luxury and style with the Fendi Baguette in luxuriously Nappa Leather Crossbody Bag. Crafted from soft nappa leather with intricate 3D FF motif embossing, this incredibly ...
Fendi Baguette Classic Zucca Print Fendi Monogram
By Fendi
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Fendi Baguette Classic Zucca Print Fendi Monogram These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. Introducing the Fendi Baguette, a classic icon featuring the bel...
Iconic Italian fashion houses Fendi and Versace teamed up on this delightfully outrageous Fendace reimagining.
When the name of a bag is as well-known as its brand, you know it's a classic.
