The house of Fendi knows a thing or two about luxury. Launched by Adele and Edoardo Fendi as a fur and leather boutique in 1925, the tiny Rome outpost grew into a worldwide phenomenon when the couple’s five daughters took up the helm two decades later. By 1965, the formidable Fendi sisters had joined forces with the iconic Karl Lagerfeld and, soon, the famous black-and-brown double “F” logo was born.
In the years since, the House of Fendi continued to carve out a bold name for itself in the world of luxe. In 1997, the Fendi “baguette” (named after its French bread-like shape) swiftly became an iconic handbag—in 600 different versions from hides to pearls—collected by the likes of Madonna, Julia Roberts and Naomi Campbell. A limited-edition baguette, the Lision, was soon launched and embroidered with the use of an 18th century loom—at the speed of just five centimeters a day. Fendi’s glamour and focus on detail and craftsmanship also translated to the big screen where film luminaries such as Franco Zeffirelli (La Traviata) and Martin Scorsese (The Age of Innocence) enlisted the Italian brand for costumes (winning the latter film an Oscar for Michelle Pfeiffer’s note-perfect Fendi furs).
This week, Fendi gives us a peek inside its rarified world when it arrives in Vancouver for the Colibri Made-to-Order shoe service. Highlighting its artistry and creative playfulness, the Maison encourages customers to design their own pair of Colibri shoes by choosing between seven possible combinations of the front toe (calf hair, black, or beige satin, red, grey, or FF logo tech mesh, and precious embroidery versions), two heel heights (in various finishes such as black, calf hair, light gold and natural rattan), and an optional ribbon strap with up to three embroidered initials to complete your custom look.
The service is available online now until October 29 or in-store at Holt Renfrew Vancouver until Saturday, September 28 (by appointment). Orders take 8-12 weeks, but beauty and craftsmanship are worth waiting for.
Fendi.com or Holt Renfrew boutique, 604-681-1289.
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