Fendi is an Italian fashion house that began as a fur and leather shop in Rome. Adele Casagrande and Edoardo Fendi founded it in 1925. For decades its name was closely tied to fur and leather goods, and it later expanded into ready-to-wear, shoes, eyewear, watches, and perfume. Karl Lagerfeld started working for Fendi in 1965 and a year later created the double F logo inside a box. Among bags, Fendi is best known for the Baguette (1997) and the Peekaboo (2009). Both were designed by Silvia Venturini Fendi, daughter of Anna, one of the five sisters who carried on the family business. Since 2001 Fendi has been part of the LVMH group, with its headquarters in Rome.
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Fendi began in 1925 as a fur and leather shop on Via del Plebiscito in Rome. It was founded by Adele and Edoardo Fendi. In 1932 they opened a boutique on Via Piave, which later drew many tourists. In 1946 their five daughters, Paola, Anna, Franca, Carla, and Alda, joined the company as the second generation. Each held 20 percent of the ownership.
The turning point came in 1965, when Karl Lagerfeld joined as creative director for the fur line and women's clothing. In 1966 he created the double F logo inside a box. In the same year Fendi presented its first haute couture collection. The ready-to-wear line followed in 1977. In the 1980s the products widened to perfume (1985), as well as eyewear, jeans, and home furnishings (1987). A second line called Fendissime, which included handbags, was launched in 1983 and closed in 2001. The first boutique in the United States opened in 1989 on Fifth Avenue in New York.
Silvia Venturini Fendi joined in 1994 and took charge of accessories. In 1997 she designed the Baguette, a bag said to have broken records for sales and popularity. In 1999 Prada and LVMH bought 51 percent of Fendi's shares. Since 2001 Fendi has been under LVMH. The Peekaboo came out in 2009 and was received as well as the Baguette. After Lagerfeld died in 2019, Silvia took over direction of the women's collections. Kim Jones served from 2020 to 2024. In October 2025 Maria Grazia Chiuri was appointed Chief Creative Officer.
- Baguette: A bag designed by Silvia Venturini Fendi in 1997 that is recorded as breaking records for sales and popularity.
- Peekaboo: A bag designed by Silvia Venturini Fendi in 2009 that achieved success comparable to the Baguette.
- Fendissime: A second line launched in 1983 for fur, clothing, and handbags, then closed in 2001.
Fendi is currently empty. Preloved pieces arrive one at a time, check again after the next drop.
What we check before listing
We look at the double F logo first: the shape of the letters, the spacing, and the neatness of the box. Stitching is checked for evenness, tightness, and loose threads. We check hardware for weight, engraving, and consistent color across all parts. Labels and the inner lining are checked for clear printing and for material that is not sticky or peeling. For the Baguette and Peekaboo, we compare the shape and details with the original model, then inspect the straps and the corners that wear out most often. This is our checking routine, not a guarantee of authenticity.
Caring for it
Store the bag in a dust bag, away from damp and direct sunlight. Fill the bag with clean paper to keep its shape. Clean the leather surface with a soft, dry cloth. For stains or fur parts, it is best to leave them to a specialist care service.
FAQ
Who designed the Baguette and the Peekaboo?
Both were designed by Silvia Venturini Fendi. The Baguette was made in 1997 and the Peekaboo in 2009.
Is the FF logo enough to confirm a Fendi bag is authentic?
No. The logo is only one clue. We also check the stitching, hardware, labels, materials, and whether the shape matches the model.
What is Fendissime, and is it the same as Fendi?
Fendissime is a second line from Fendi that ran from 1983 to 2001. The line included fur, clothing, and handbags.
Which parts should be checked on a secondhand Fendi bag?
Check the straps, corners, leather edges, and hardware, because these parts are used most often. The inner lining also needs to be looked at for stickiness, stains, or a musty smell.
References
Facts summarised and rewritten from the sources above (CC BY-SA licence).