Amidst rumors that this may be his finale, Kim Jones unveiled his Spring/Summer 2024 collection for Fendi in a room filled with a who’s who of the fashion industry, friends, and well-wishers. Not just any room, mind you, but a sanctuary adorned with oversized sculptures of Fendi’s iconic Baguette Bag, transforming the space into a veritable temple of style. Jones’ farewell — if it is indeed that — was nothing short of spellbinding.
The room was awash in a clash of subtle pastels and striking oranges and yellows, reflecting the multifaceted Fendi woman. This woman is just as comfortable navigating corporate boardrooms as she is commanding attention at the most exclusive soirees. The ambiance? Dinah Washington’s “The Bitter Earth” softly playing in the background, as if Jones had somehow woven nostalgia into the very fabric of his collection.
If Jones is a magician, then his wand manifested everything from chest-pleated suits to sensual cutout dresses. Sleeves weren’t just sleeves; they were artful extensions of the dress that wrapped around one arm, giving each piece a dynamic, asymmetrical balance. One couldn’t help but notice the fine detailing on leather jackets that played with hues of red, blue, and brown, setting the stage for iridescent nightgowns that glided down the runway like ethereal specters.
Jones’ inspiration drew not only from the grand dames of Rome but also from the Fendi legacy itself, referencing a Lagerfeld collection from 1999. The result? Outfits that felt like timeless classics, yet pulsating with modern verve. Even the monumental handbag sculptures that lined the runway seemed to echo Jones’ own design history, taking attendees on a tour of his creative journey.
While monumental Baguette Bags stole the spotlight as set pieces, the handheld versions carried by models were a symphony in understatement. Some so tiny they looked like they could only hold a secret or two. And if you’re into jewelry, Delfina Delettrez Fendi’s trinkets mirrored the Selleria top-stitching of the bags, adding an elegant echo to the ensemble.
Jones has been a pied piper of fashion at Fendi, leading us all through a journey of sartorial splendor since his debut in 2021. This show, filled with his closest companions from Kate Moss to Naomi Campbell, was a high note that reverberated across the room and will likely echo in Fendi’s halls for years to come. Whether he stays or departs, Jones has inscribed himself indelibly into the story of Fendi.
So, what does a man do after he’s already done it all?
For Jones, already deep in developing Fendi’s centenary collections for 2025, the next chapter appears just as promising. With or without him, Fendi’s future seems to be scribed in tones as bold and complex as the women for whom he designs.
