KIM JONES SAYS GOODBYE TO FENDI

THE WALK
KIM JONES SAYS GOODBYE TO FENDI

By Javier Borrego

What would a Friday afternoon be without one of those news that mark a before and after in the fashion world?

 Today, after four years of pure magic at Fendi, Kim Jones has decided to say goodbye to the iconic Roman house, leaving behind an indelible legacy of creativity, elegance and modernity.

In a statement full of admiration and gratitude, LVMH highlighted the “significant contributions” Jones brought to the maison, fusing her distinctive modern and cross-cultural vision with the timeless essence of Fendi. Under his direction, the ready-to-wear and couture collections were reinvented with an inclusive and innovative approach that kept the Italian heritage alive while moving into the future. Each design he presented to the world was marked by his unmistakable passion and boundless creativity.

Jones arrived at Fendi in 2020 with a mission to revitalize the house, and throughout his tenure, he worked closely with Silvia Venturini Fendi, who oversees menswear and accessories, and Delfina Delettrez Fendi, in charge of jewelry. Together, they formed a dream team. Delfina's sophisticated influence was ever-present in Jones' collections, as a muse reminding him of the importance of classic elegance and subtle innovation. “Even if Delfina wears [Venturini's] vintage clothes, she'll still find them supercool. It's very chic, elegant,” Kim would say admiringly, underscoring the special connection she had with the Fendi family.

Jones' vision for Fendi's women's ready-to-wear was unabashedly luxurious, rich in handcrafted details and deeply rooted in Roman values. She drew inspiration from Karl Lagerfeld's legendary collections, reworking the house's classic codes to suit the contemporary consumer without losing a shred of that timeless essence that has made Fendi so special.

Recalling his creative approach, Jones shared in 2021: “I think my design is modern, but not too modern. When you see things that are too vintage or too avant-garde, it's difficult. People want something that's for now, and in my mind, that's what I design for.” His ability to understand what today's audiences are looking for, while paying homage to the past, made him a true master of his craft.

Silvia Venturini Fendi described him as a “voracious observer of the moment,” someone who not only understood people's desires, but could also anticipate what they would need in the future. It was that ability to connect with the spirit of the present, with an eye always on the evolution of fashion, that allowed Jones to leave such a profound mark on the maison.

Throughout his career, Kim Jones has established himself as a visionary who transcends borders. He is not only remembered for his creations at Fendi, but also for his contribution to the Dior Men universe, where he continues to challenge the conventions of men's luxury. His ability to move between different houses and creative universes is a reflection of his versatility and inexhaustible talent.

Although it has not yet been announced who will take the reins of Fendi, what is certain is that whoever does so will have a great challenge ahead. Replacing such a brilliant mind and passionate soul will be no easy task. Jones not only designed clothes, but he knew how to capture the spirit of an era and reflect it through each of his pieces.

Now, in the twilight of his time at Fendi, we remember him not only for the collections he created, but for the deep connection he established between the past and the present, between the classic and the contemporary. His legacy will live on in every garment, in every detail, and in the fashion history he helped write.