Edited by Thomas | 3 March 2025
A hundred years of Fendi means a hundred years of bold design, high-profile collaborations, and pieces that turn into collectables overnight. Bags that started obsessions, era-defining fashion moments and everything in between, here’s how the brand built its legacy.
The Fendi legacy: Why collectors can’t get enough
There’s no arguing that turning 100 is a milestone. For Fendi, it’s also proof of a brand that’s never played it safe. What started in 1925 as a small leather goods shop in Rome has grown into one of fashion’s most iconic names. Fendi pieces stand on decades of craftsmanship, cultural influence and design innovation. Think of the Baguette bag and its place in pop culture or the brand’s commitment to preserving Rome’s heritage, each piece tells a story worth collecting.
When Karl Lagerfeld joined in the 60s, he introduced the infamous double-F logo which became a quiet marker of exclusivity — instantly recognisable to those who knew. Bringing with him a new creative energy, Karl’s approach made Fendi synonymous with craftsmanship that felt bold and unconventional; designs became conversation starters, blending tradition with innovation in a way that set the brand apart.
By the 90s, Fendi was shaping pop culture. As Catawiki Expert Fleur Engelina Julietta Feijen puts it, “In 1997, the brand launched one of the most iconic bags in the world: the Baguette. Named after the way French women carry their bread, this bag is easy to handle besides being a fashion icon. A permanent staple in Fendi’s collections, yet always evolving.” And, let’s be honest, Carrie Bradshaw might have loved Mr. Big, but she really loved her Baguette.
In 1999, LVMH acquired Fendi and expanded the brand’s reach while reinforcing its status as a brand worth investing in. Whether it’s a rare vintage clutch or a limited-edition release, Fendi carries a legacy that continues to attract collectors and fashion lovers alike.
The moments that shaped Fendi
Fendi has never been just another fashion house but a brand built on reinvention, always evolving and never losing sight of its roots. The brand has mastered the art of balancing heritage with bold new ideas.
By 1977, Fendi had already made its mark with leather and accessories, but Fendi being Fendi, it’s never been a brand that “stays in its lane”. The launch of ready-to-wear brought its craftsmanship to a new space, turning everyday luxury into something more effortless and accessible, but still reserved for those with an eye for quality.
Then came 1997, the year the concept of the handbag changed forever. The Baguette came along — compact, chic and easy to sling under the arm, it became the decade’s most wanted accessory, cementing its place in pop culture and resale history. Decades later, it still commands attention… and record-breaking prices.
Fendi’s habit of rewriting the rules reached new heights in 2007 when it staged a runway show on the Great Wall of China. The message was clear: Fendi is a trendsetter not a trend follower.
In 2019, the brand pushed personalisation to the forefront with the Peekaboo Evolution, turning bags into customisable heirlooms.
And, then came 2023. The year Fendi and Versace turned the industry on its head with Fendace — two powerhouse brands merging their signatures.
Model Kate Moss and her daughter, Lila Moss, appeared in FENDI's 'Peekaboo' campaign.Why Fendi is a collector’s goldmine
Not all luxury brands are created equal. Some pieces sit in closets, while others gain value like fine art. Fendi’s commitment to quality, craftsmanship and limited-edition releases means its pieces frequently find their way into auction houses. Naturally, sky-high bids follow.
Vintage runway pieces that feel truly one of a kind and artist collaborations that blur the line between fashion and art — just a few reasons why collectors can’t get enough.
Fendi’s greatest collaborations (so far)
Fendi has never been one to play it safe. Its collaborations go beyond logos and branding. When the house paid tribute to Karl Lagerfeld with a dedicated collection, it wasn’t just a nod to the past but a recognition of his decades-long influence on the brand.
In 2023, Fendi and Versace joined forces to create the Fendace collection, a unique fusion of their iconic styles. This collaboration resulted in a line that blended Fendi's craftsmanship with Versace's bold aesthetics, leading to high demand among collectors and fashion enthusiasts.
The collection featured standout pieces like the Fendace Metal Mesh Mini Dress, which combined Versace's signature metal mesh with Fendi's FF logo motif, and the Fendace Silk Baguette Bag, adorned with both brands' iconic symbols.
A collaboration with Tiffany & Co. brought its signature blue into the mix, blending classic elegance with Fendi’s sharp Italian craftsmanship. The result? Accessories that felt both refined and unexpected. And then there was Skims — an unlikely but wildly successful pairing that redefined shapewear, proving that comfort and couture don’t have to be worlds apart.
Fendi’s collaborations set trends and keep collectors guessing about what’s next.
What makes Fendi so collectable?
Fendi creates the kind of pieces that spark cult followings. The Baguette became more than a handbag, cementing its place in pop culture. The Peekaboo bag turned quiet luxury into something deeply personal. The double-F logo carries decades of history, instantly recognisable yet never overdone. Limited releases and runway exclusives add to the hype but another important fact is that anything Fendi tends to hold its value, and in many cases fetching well beyond its original price. For collectors, it’s a piece of fashion history (obviously), but it’s also about securing an investment that only gets more desirable over time.
The Fendi auction you’ve been waiting for
For Fendi’s 100th anniversary, we’re celebrating the only way we know how — by curating a selection of rare, vintage and limited-edition pieces that reflect a century of style. Expect iconic bags, accessories and fashion that defined entire eras. Whether you’re after a piece with history or something no one else has, this is where you’ll find it. Get yourself an icon.
Explore our Fendi collection.
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