KIM JONES AND STEFANO PILATI PRESENT FENDI’S NEW FW 23/24 COLLECTION: FRIENDS OF FENDI

In the ever-evolving landscape of the fashion industry, one constant remains—innovation driven by the creative minds of designers who dare to challenge the status quo.

FENDI’s Creative Director Kim Jones, an influential name in the world of fashion, recognizes Pilati’s genius and describes him as a friend, an inspiration, and a designer for modern times. Pilati’s recent collaboration with FENDI in their “Friends of FENDI” project is a testament to his ability to transcend gender norms, evoke the spirit of the past, and create a revolutionary collection that fuses Milano and Roma. “Friends of FENDI” is a remarkable series of projects and collections initiated by Kim Jones and Silvia Venturini Fendi, underpinned by the values of sincerity and friendship rather than mere strategic fashion moves. At its core, this unique collaboration embodies a belief in the power of genuine relationships and the celebration of diversity in the world of fashion. “Friends of FENDI” is a remarkable series of projects and collections initiated by Kim Jones and Silvia Venturini Fendi, underpinned by the values of sincerity and friendship rather than mere strategic fashion moves. At its core, this unique collaboration embodies a belief in the power of genuine relationships and the celebration of diversity in the world of fashion. Pilati’s designs play with the notions of gender in a profound way.

“Stefano is one of the designers I admire the most. (…) Stefano epitomises Friends of FENDI: He is a friend, an inspiration and a designer for modern times, always looking to the future, asking questions and proffering solutions.” Kim Jones

Stefano Pilati’s designs play with the notions of gender in a profound way. Men’s tailoring is matched with silk or leather camisoles, breaking down preconceived notions of masculinity, while women’s tailoring is casually embraced by both sexes. Pilati’s experiments with traditional construction techniques are executed with remarkable precision and ease. For instance, a relaxed ‘basque’—traditionally a bodice—makes an appearance in tailored trousers and skirts, featuring a drawstring waistband that accentuates the line of the body. This innovation extends to the collection’s dresses, emphasizing Pilati’s mastery of cut and construction for both men and women.

“ (…) I am from Milan but there is a freedom in the Roman style that Milan does not have – there is always ‘more’. This is a coming together of two worlds and I am so touched by the opportunity that Kim, Silvia and FENDI have given me to be so much myself while exploring theirs, the incomparable world of FENDI.” Stefano Pilati

Stefano Pilati’s work with FENDI is more than just a fashion collaboration; it’s a celebration of the unique intersection of artistry, history, and cultural dynamics. As we observe his boundary-breaking designs, we see a testament to his profound understanding of the rules of fashion, allowing him to expertly break and reshape them, ensuring that fashion knows no bounds in terms of gender or tradition.
In the “Friends of FENDI” collection curated by Stefano Pilati, we see the future of fashion—a world where authenticity, friendship, and innovation reign supreme, where freedom knows no gender, and where two iconic Italian cities come together in sartorial harmony.

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