Colour Me Happy
Review of Fendi Spring 2026 Fashion Show
By Angela Baidoo
THE COLLECTION
THE VIBE
Kaleidoscopic colour, Outward Optimism, Romantic Elegance
Good design has the power to uplift from within, and Fendi’s summer of the future (literally and figuratively true) imagines a fantastical landscape of uplifting forms and geometric shapes reminiscent of childhood playgrounds. Working with Australian Industrial designer Marc Newson for the concept of the show set (a designer who collaborated with the house in 2000, saying in a press release ‘Fendi so graciously offered their space in Milan to launch my Ford O2IC Concept Car 25 years ago.’) a ‘pixelated colour field’ became todays runway as the collection travelled through a sea of colour reflective of the belief in better times ahead.
On only the second day of Milan fashion week Fendi proposed we wear our optimism on our sleeves, which is not to make light of current events but there is something to be said for not giving into despair and finding the light in what can only be described – with no exaggeration – as dire times. And while fashion may not have the power to significantly sway the political climate, what it does is allow us to lean into a level of self-expression (from embroidered scarves to specific colours to symbols) which gives us the confidence to be uncowed by dark times.
Following her blockbuster centenary show in February, Silvia Venturini Fendi is on a high and feeling in good spirits, especially considering the appointment of new CEO Ramon Ros and a lavish new Milanese store opening, coinciding with today’s show. There was a new energy in the air that was also reflected on the runway as the creative director delved into a paintbox of kaleidoscopic brights to drive home her concept. From the pixelated digital invitation gif to the coloured squares of today’s set, the multi-coloured spots and graphic plaids, and the pared down structures where sportswear met retro swim sets and ultra-feminine dresses, as the notes put it ‘saturated colour is a balm – a therapeutic shock of joyful abandon’.
Flower power is also emerging as a key theme this season, as designers looked back to a time when the world seemed on the verge of radically shifting gears into the new – from the space race to Beatlemaina and the Youthquake whose aftershocks are still felt today. The brands version of this was a uniform of bright sets and separates in satins and sheers – a boxy pink woven T-shirt with contrast orange cuffs that was styled with an emerald green jersey (sweatshirt) skirt with side zips was particularly fun and ‘easeful’. While sportswear also played a prominent role, which spoke to freedom of movement – side zips on skirts were also a key feature here. The accessory also played a starring role as 3D embellishments meant coloured sequins spilled out of the bestselling Peekaboo bag and the iconic Baguette was rendered in ‘cable knit silk’.
THE DIRECTION
THE QUOTE
It’s about a relaxed and colorful sense of ease with a romantic elegance“
Silvia Venturini Fendi, Creative Director, Fendi
THE WRAP UP
At a time when the world once again feels on the verge of immense change (when the pendulum could swing either way) it’s a good sign that creatives are having a reaction to it in their work. It may not be in the form of bold statements of support or opposition, but the message to find joy where we can is still as relevant as it has ever been.
