The FENDACE Pop-Up Has Arrived…
FENDACE is finally here and the launch promises to be as noisy as the catwalk show that shut down Milan Fashion Week…
Momentous was the occasion when supermodel royalty (think Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell) strutted down the runway donning ultra-glamorous, flashy clothing emblazoned with both Fendi and Versace iconography. It was fun, it was loud, it was nostalgic, it was FENDACE: the fashion lovechild of Fendi and Versace.
Collaborations have become part of the fashion vernacular by now, but the FENDACE capsule has changed how we understand the concept. In a new twist on the idea of collaboration between designers, this collection saw the creative directors of the two famed houses quite literally swap roles: Kim Jones and Silvia Venturini Fendi designed for Versace and, likewise, Donatella Versace for Fendi. A savvy marketing move FENDACE allows for two houses with two distinct, rich histories to permeate new audiences.
Standout pieces from the line such as the FENDACE Peekaboo, Baguette, and La Medusa handbags clearly showcase the synthesis of ideas between the designers.
The boisterous ad campaign, which includes images shot by famed fashion photographer Steven Meisel and two videos directed by Alec Maxwell, befits the hype surrounding the highly anticipated collection. Starring Adut Akech, Amar Ak-way, Anja Rubik, Anok Yai, Imaan Hammam, and Lina Zang, it paints the picture of a fabulous 90s club night, which was the inspiration behind the collection itself. In the video, the models flood into the exclusive FENDACE nightclub guarded by two fierce bouncers played by Naomi Campbell and Kristen McMenamy.
The coming together of two iconic fashion houses is an experiment on new ways in which the legacy of brands can be built upon. After all, fashion creatives are naturally akin through their passion to create beautiful things – and FENDACE celebrates this. Moreover, it is The uncompromising craftsmanship of Fendi grafted onto the overtly glamorous (OR bombastic) aesthetic of Versace reveals new ways of seeing the codes of each of these storied houses.
Watch one of the two campaign videos below:
The collection launches May 12 with a series of global pop-ups and events. Parts of the collection will be available in Fendi and Versace boutiques and online; Versace by Fendi will be available to purchase from Fendi, and Fendi by Versace will be available to purchase via Versace. The FENDACE capsule itself will be sold by both houses.
FENDACE pop-up locations in the region:
Dubai
The Dubai Mall, Fashion Catwalk
May 12 – 21
Kuwait
FENDACE Display, The Avenues, Ghazali St. Al-Rai
May 12 – 21
Images and video supplied by FENDACE