Fendi At 100: Celebrating A Century Of Modernity And Motherhood At Milan Fashion Week

Fendi at 100: Celebrating a Century of Modernity and Motherhood at Milan Fashion Week

Fendi’s centennial celebration has brought modernity and motherhood to the forefront of fashion, marking a remarkable 100-year legacy. In a groundbreaking womenswear season for the brand’s milestone year, creative director Kim Jones drew inspiration from the four generations of women who have significantly influenced Fendi’s journey.

As the fashion world gears up for Spring 2025, designers Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons have turned their attention to the complex relationship between humanity and technology, particularly the influence of algorithms on personal style. Their latest show, titled “Infinite Present,” reflects the overwhelming flow of information that modern life entails. In the show notes, they describe this phenomenon: “Our consumption of the infinite panorama offered by the Internet is driven by algorithms, finite sequences of instructions that circumscribe the decidable through logic in a fundamentally illogical world.”

Rather than critique this state of affairs, Prada and Simons aim to engage with it, presenting a fresh narrative that diverges from the typical fashion discourse dominated by social media and digital trends. In a departure from their usual practice of showcasing variations of a single piece, the duo unveiled a collection of 49 distinct looks, each tailored for individual expression.

While algorithms have long celebrated the notion of personal style, the emphasis of the show was placed squarely on the clothing itself. Attendees were treated to a visual feast: oversized bug-eyed sunglasses worn over bandanas, reminiscent of a high-fashion superhero ensemble; ‘60s-inspired visor hats; low-rise pleated skirts adorned with metal links that evoke the iconic Carrie Bradshaw; and porthole metallic skirts that conjure images of a futuristic aesthetic.

Despite the avant-garde presentation, the designers acknowledged their inspirations, weaving references to past styles into their creations. This approach raises questions about the concept of originality in fashion, suggesting that understanding historical context enhances one’s personal style. Prada and Simons appear to advocate for a fashion sense that is informed and intentional, rather than merely algorithmically generated.

In contrast, Max Mara took a different direction with its Spring 2025 collection, channeling the spirit of Hypatia—an influential Neoplatonist philosopher, astronomer, and mathematician from ancient Alexandria. The collection presented a vision of a modern woman who embodies intellect and simplicity, characterized by smart sportswear and a palette of cream, black, and brown.

Earlier in the week, designer Del Core also drew inspiration from the scientific community, hinting at a broader trend in fashion that looks to create order amidst chaos. The resulting pieces, including classic flat sandals and fresh interpretations of the traditional button-down shirt, reflect a desire for clarity and control within an increasingly unpredictable world.

As both Prada and Max Mara seek to redefine the role of fashion amid the complexities of contemporary life, their collections serve as reminders of the power of style to convey individuality and thoughtfulness in an age dominated by digital noise.