–

FENDI SS26:

I saw Milan again through my screen and couldn’t help but remember when I actually walked those streets back in 2019, visiting friends Mirco and Alessandro during Fashion Week. That trip stays in my mind—the energy, the rush, the sense that Italian fashion always carries something timeless and bold.

So what about Fendi this season? Honestly, I didn’t go crazy for what I saw. The show had structure, ambition, and some moments of beauty, yes. But I kept waiting for that one look that grabs you and won’t let go. It never really happened.

What I noticed was a lot of revival elements—references pulled from past decades, reshaped with modern touches. The mix itself? Not bad. The sculpted leather, the embellished details, the delicate fabrics—they all sat together with a certain balance. Even the sportswear hints, in dialogue with the more glamorous side of Fendi, worked better than expected. Cargo jackets in sheer fabrics, bomber cuts with romantic twists—it all made sense on paper.

Still, the collection felt more “interesting” than “magnetic.” Some silhouettes risked looking like exercises rather than fresh ideas. The colors were striking, the craftsmanship clear, but sometimes the staging and bold choices overshadowed the actual clothes.

From Los Angeles, watching this debut, I give Fendi credit for daring, for mixing couture discipline with casual sparks. But for me, the result stops at respect—it didn’t reach desire.

When I think of Milan, I think of that night in 2019, walking out of a show with Mirco and Alessandro and feeling like fashion could change the air around you. This time, watching from here, it didn’t.

–

GALLERY