AS THOUGH Karl Lagerfeld had been reborn as a female, Fendi’s recent Ready To Wear collection opened with a brown suit ensemble with an oversized white bow. Ostentatious, yet understated, the show opened with a sombre mood, but was uplifted by the spirit of the late designer’s legacy interlaced into the very fabric of the clothing.
Shades of browns, yellows, whites, oranges and blacks, Fendi’s identity was prominent and obvious throughout. The choice of colours were perfectly and quintessentially autumnal, also. The continuous stream of brown and orange – the house colours of the Italian fashion house – reminded us of the genius and transcendent nature of each of their collections.
The colour combinations of wet clay and yellow, cyan, camel and red and complete neutrals embodied autumn and made us yearn for the changing and falling of the leaves. The fairy, almost ethereal delicacy of the sheer chiffon, soft and sweet were romantic and idyllic.
We were left with real belt bag and collar envy. The oversized, pointed and contrast collars transformed a regular office-wear staple into a style necessity. The triple button detailing on the high-neck collars added a masculine edge. The oversized belt bags in wet clay emulated an almost utility feeling, contrasting the flowing mustard pleated chiffon of the skirts and the burnt sienna of the leather trench. The sunset ombréd sunglasses conspired to make the collection ‘70s inspired.
The introduction of a different monogram was printed onto bodysuits and tights, yet another hallmark of Lagerfeld’s mark on the brand. The addition of black was a grave tone to the playfulness of the bold colours. Reserved and earnest, a mature transition reflected the tenor of the occasion.
Karl Lagerfeld may have left us, but his legacy will forever be remain inn the designs he brought to life. While there was no formal goodbye or farewell prior to his passing, his final collection with Fendi is the perfect representation of his spirit. The curtain closed on an innovator, but his imprint on fashion is indelible and forever immortalised, encapsulated and suspended in time. A heartfelt love letter to a true fashion idol – Karl Lagerfeld.
by Robyn Ngan