Front Row at the Fendi Fall 2026 Couture Show
Maria Grazia Chiuri presented her debut Haute Couture collection for Fendi yesterday at Rome’s Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea. The show revisited the house’s history by recreating the landmark 1985 Steps Through Work. Fendi / Karl Lagerfeld 1985 exhibition, celebrating the enduring relationship between Fendi, art and couture.
A Fresh Shade
Is this a first? It certainly feels like it.
Black has become so closely tied to Monica Bellucci’s fashion identity that seeing her arrive in an ivory Fendi suit came as a genuine surprise. Yet it proved to be a welcome change. The softly tailored double-breasted suit does look a touch oversized on her. But I’m concentrating on the new hue.
I wasn’t expecting to love Monica in ivory quite this much.
The Baguette Lady
Sarah Jessica Parker wore a Fendi chiffon gown with black leather detailing, naturally styled with a matching Baguette bag.
Some handbags become iconic because of the design. The Fendi Baguette became iconic because of Sarah Jessica Parker. Thanks to Sex and the City’s unforgettable “It’s a Baguette” moment, no one will ever wear this bag without that connection.
Lace With Attitude
Jessica Alba wisely chose a sheer black Fendi lace dress, but it was the styling that really sold the look.
The studded boots and Baguette stopped it from being the main attraction, while the Wonder Woman-esque gold cuffs and choker injected just the right amount of attitude.
Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images for Fendi / Jacopo Raule/Getty Images for Fendi
The contrast between the romantic lace and the tougher accessories gave the outfit far more personality than the dress alone.
Black And White Balance
Victoria Luengo wore a white Fendi gown with black leather straps, styled with the black versions of the collection’s accessories.
The darker accessories worked in her favour. I’m sure some will say they felt less busy than Jessica’s styling. The clean palette gave the look a sharper finish.
Missing The Spark
I think this might be the first time I’ve been completely underwhelmed by a Yara Shahidi look.
This Fendi black sheer knit top and midi skirt felt far too subdued for someone who usually brings so much personality to the red carpet. Nothing looked wrong, but nothing stood out either. For Fashion Week, and especially for Yara, I expected something with much more impact.
I Need This Jumpsuit
As someone who loves a jumpsuit, Valentina Bellè’s tailored Fendi one-piece immediately caught my eye.
The plunging neckline and clean lines made it one of the strongest minimalist looks of the evening. I just wish those black pointed pumps hadn’t demanded quite so much attention.
Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images for Fendi
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