Couture’s Chic Finale: Fendi at the Trevi Fountain

Fendi closed out couture in Rome with a grand spectacle at the Trevi Fountain. The Italian house was celebrating its 90th anniversary and the restoration of the historical monument, which took over a year and cost roughly $2.2 million. Models walked on water on a clear runway suspended over the fountain’s pools. Guests flew in by chartered “Fendi” planes to Rome (take a peek on model Molly Blair’s Instagram @molllsblair for a peek) to take in the show. For those who haven’t had the chance to see the newly restored Trevi Fountain in person, rest assured this might be the most spectacular runway show venue of all time. Karl Lagerfeld, of course, is not to be outdone.

Italian fashion brands have been busy revamping and restoring the country’s monuments and the parties and events to celebrate these huge undertakings have been nothing short of magnificent. Tod’s has committed to restoring the Colosseum and recently threw a giant bash inside the monument, complete with a seated dinner and orchestral concert. Renzo Rosso is restoring Venice’s 423-year-old Rialto Bridge, and once Bulgari finishes repairing the Spanish Steps in Rome, there will no doubt be yet another event to celebrate Rome’s splendor.

At Fendi, Lagerfeld sent out fairy tale-inspired looks that perfectly captured the romance of the setting. His exact inspiration? A 1914 book of fairy tales called East of the Sun and West of the Moon, illustrated by Danish artist Kay Nielsen. “It was in a way the mood of my childhood, the Northern fairy tales,” Lagerfeld told Vogue Runway. “I called the show Legends and Fairy Tales because it’s a collection that doesn’t relate to everybody like ready-to-wear, this is very special for people who have a special kind of life.” Indeed.