FENDI AND THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA : CULTURAL CONNECTION

In 2007 Fendi organized the first ever fashion show on the Great Wall of China, an event visible all the way from space! A symbol of audacity and cultural convergence, the show remains an amazing milestone in the history of fashion. 

In a declaration of audacious creativity, passion and sheer determination, Fendi and Karl Lagerfeld organized the very first fashion show on the Great Wall of China in 2007. Against the majestic backdrop of Middle Empire landscapes, Fendi celebrated its 80th anniversary while writing a new chapter in the history of the house, and indeed the entire fashion industry. 

The spectacular runway show took more than a year of planning and six months of very intensive preparations. The massive human and material investment echoes Fendi’s bold creative spirit. 

The Spring-Summer 2008 collection presented 88 looks with striking sharp precision. Colors, materials and impeccable draping paid tribute to the masterful expertise of Fendi ateliers. Signature Fendi codes appeared throughout the collection. From the Fendi monogram in the scenography and architectural silhouettes, to triumphant black and white, the allure was elegant and sophisticated. To celebrate China’s culture heritage, Fendi also presented looks inspired by traditional Chinese dress. 

 By pairing the two-millennia-old Great Wall of China with the contemporary elegance of Italian fashion, Fendi introduced a compelling dialogue between two cultures. The show remains engraved in memories as an inspiring example of how fashion is nourished by all cultures and has a unique ability to elevate aesthetics beyond geographic borders.