All hail the working man — Silvia Fendi is feeling concerned about the needs of future generations who will likely have to change careers myriad times in their lives.
Leading by example, the designer tapped London-based, career-juggling artist Sue Tilley, who worked at a dole center in London’s Charing Cross for 37 years but was also a muse to Lucian Freud and best friends with Leigh Bowery, to collaborate on the line.
“She had a wild artist life and she’s an artist herself. It’s about combining different aspects and being open to change,” the designer said backstage as models filed by in outfits perfect for conducting business meetings on Skype (all traditional executive up top — think knitted polo and checked jacket — and shorts and slides below).
Presented on a black-and-white marble runway meant to mirror Fendi’s headquarters in Rome, the fun collection channeled a Fifties-meets-Seventies stance based on spins on masculine classics from the wardrobe of a nouveau riche executive whose level of taste is so naf it’s cool.
Sportswear mingled with office staples like suspenders, slingback loafers and printed silk ties. Fendi revisited retro tracksuit tops in luxe materials like fur and suede and used synthetics for the tailoring, including an amazing sheer brown nylon plaid suit paired with a cropped blue T-shirt.
