When one thinks of Fendi, the terms luxurious, chic and innovative unquestionably spring to mind. Upon meeting Anna Fendi, daughter of the renowned maison’s namesake founder, I was drawn to the way in which she emulates the finesse and adroitness of her brand with such effortless poise and charm.
Anna Fendi was invited to the Oxford Union, and I went to watch her speak of her revolutionary work in the fashion industry as former leader of her family run luxury fashion empire.
All heads turned in adulation as the fashion designer and entrepreneur graciously entered the Union’s Debating Chamber. She walked towards the front of the room in her beautifully polished black leather heeled ankle boots, while the crowd mesmerisingly applauded her.
The evening started with a presentation film on the history of Fendi since the brand was founded in Rome, 1925. Her eyes glistened with pride and her smile was subtle, yet endearing, as she sat down to spectate her short film. Fendi’s smile widened as her words “Fashion is not frivolous, only a fool can think that” appeared on the screen.
When the short film came to a close, she took centre stage and first of all apologised for not being able to speak in English. She then proceeded with introducing herself (with the help of her translator): “My name is Anna Fendi, I am an 83 year old entrepreneur and it is an honour being here with you all today at this historical and prestigious institution.”
The fashion pioneer spoke of the Fendi sisters’ remarkable journey in establishing the family name, their youthful dreams of conquering the United States, and of the opulent brands’ unbreakable partnership with world-renowned German fashion designer, artist and photographer, Karl Lagerfeld.
The talk was then followed by a short Q&A session, after which audience members were invited to join Fendi in the Union’s members bar. I shook her hand and admired her porcelain-like complexion and scintillating eyes. I thanked her in Italian for her very inspiring and admirable talk, and with a smile, she replied “the pleasure is all mine”.
I had a list of questions in mind, but many others were awaiting a moment with Fendi, so I kept mine succinct, asking “Having entered the fashion industry at such a young age, what advice would you give to young girls looking to pursue a career in fashion?” with no hesitation and the utmost conviction, she replied “self-belief and determination, if you don’t believe in yourself, nobody will. You have to keep trying and trying until you make it, and in the end it will all be worth it.” I smiled and thanked her, I asked for a picture, to which she replied and laughed: “of course, but please no selfies - I don’t like them at all!”
Despite having only spent a few brief minutes conversing with Fendi, to a fashion enthusiast like myself, the passion that she exhibited was nothing but awe-inspiring. With her fervour for excellence and her business acuity, Anna Fendi is the true embodiment of her brand’s motto: Nothing is impossible.
See Fendi's full Oxford Union address here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xb_JpIt0tcQ&t=1102s
