Fendi and Versace Creative Directors Swap Roles to Make Fashion History

Lindsay Judge   |   27-09-2021

For the first time ever the Creative Directors of two iconic fashion Houses have swapped roles to created collections for each other’s brand creating collections coined “FENDACE”, combining key elements from both Houses.

 

Donatella Versace, Chief Creative Officer at Versace and Kim Jones, Creative Director at Fendi surprised audiences around the world with their designs for each one’s respective brands.

 

FENDI BY VERSACE

 

“It’s a first in the history of fashion: two designers having a true creative dialogue that stems from respect and friendship. It led to us swapping roles to create these two collections.” Said Donatella Versace, Chief Creative Officer Versace in a statement.

 

FENDI BY VERSACE

 

Both brands were very clear that this is not a collaboration in the normal sense, rather the coming together of two iconic fashion houses and two influential designers to create collections that celebrate Italy and embrace freedom, fun and virtuosity – the three pillars that this project stands for.

 

VERSACE BY FENDI

 

Jones and Versace who are known to be close friends, took inspiration from their respective fashion houses, combining it with the DNA of their peer’s brands to create collections that are a perfect combination of both. Silvia Venturini Fendi who works alongside Jones on the Fendi accessories was also heavily involved in the project.

 

VERSACE BY FENDI

 

Both designers had access to the archives of each house and they used their design skills to create a unique cross-fertilisation, with elements from both houses brought together in each designer’s own vision.

 

VERSACE BY FENDI

 

Inspired by the mid-to-late nineties period of the storied house, VERSACE BY FENDI explores an idea of duality, most pointedly seen in a melding of the Fendi Monogram with the Versace Greek Key motif. Here, garments metamorphose, many revealed to be reversible with hidden codes and the exquisite craftsmanship of the Fendi atelier on display, such as in chainmail made leather. Here a multigenerational approach is embraced throughout.

 

 

FENDI BY VERSACE

 

FENDI BY VERSACE takes a more punk rock stance with Donatella Versace declaring contamination and disruption to be key. Versace safety pins proliferate, puncturing Fendi signs and symbols. Chain mail is married with lace and crystal-encrusted F’s in an interpretation of the Monogram. While silk faille mimics denim and shearlings are shaved, making the world of Fendi that little bit more youthfully rebellious.

 

VERSACE BY FENDI

 

The two collections which are both for Pre-Fall 2022, were revealed during an intimate gathering in Milan with supermodels including Gigi Hadid, Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell walking the runway in the designs. The show began with the Versace creations by Kim Jones, before the logos switched and the Fendi creations by Donatella were on display.

 

VERSACE BY FENDI

 

A spectacular finish saw both designers coming together as a lineup of supermodels stood alongside them, showcasing the designs.

 

As the brands explained post-show; “Ultimately, Fendace is about the need for sincerity in fashion today rather than strategy.”

 

FENDI BY VERSACE

 

The show was dedicated to the late Kip Sims, a dear friend and colleague of Kim Jones and the house of Fendi.