Like other major European luxury fashion houses, Fendi started small. Adele Casagrande was an Italian creative who loved fashion and sold leather and fur accessories from a tiny workshop she opened in Rome in 1918. However, after marrying Edoardo Fendi in 1925, her business model was altered dramatically. Together, the couple changed the boutique’s name to Fendi and moved into a bigger storefront, which quickly became the favorite shop of women all over Italy’s capital city for furs and leathers, such as handbags, coats and accessories.
As time moved on for Adele and Edoardo, the couple began to distribute more responsibility to their five daughters, who assumed management of the company during the 1950s. Fendi’s audience broadened and its profitability has soared over the years, owing to the brand’s fresh perspective on fashion world happenings and innovative sensibility.
The maison also has a distinctive relationship with old-world Italian craftsmanship. The Selleria bags were the work of master saddlers in Rome, and Fendi partnered with lace artisans in southern Italy as well as craftsmen in the east trained in the intrecciato (intertwined) technique (an idea that Adele introduced during the 1940s), which, in Fendi’s case, sees an interwoven leather fabric integrated in the creation of its handbags, countering leather’s traditional rigidity with a bag that is soft, versatile and fitted with an alluring slouchy curve.
It wasn’t until 1965, however, when a young German designer named Karl Lagerfeld took the creative helm that Fendi became a world-renowned fashion house. In fact, Lagerfeld, who produced four to five collections yearly for the brand, is credited with creating Fendi’s instantly recognizable double-F logo (which stands for “Fun Furs”) in “less than five seconds.” Until Lagerfeld started designing for the brand, fur was a material mostly associated with heavy coats that few people actually wore. Lagerfeld reimagined fur in creative ways, using it as an accent on purses, cuffs on dress sleeves and collars on wool coats.
Over the ensuing years, Fendi has broken into the home-goods market with Fendi Casa and has become synonymous with luxury fashion, producing such pieces as the iconic Baguette, which was rendered ever popular on the television series Sex and the City. In fact, an entire episode during the third season was dedicated to the “original It bag,” a slim accessory tapered in a manner that recalls its namesake, designed in 1997 by Adele and Edoardo’s granddaughter Silvia Venturini Fendi, who was named creative director of accessories three years earlier.
Perhaps just as well known as its vintage Baguette handbags and creative use of fur is the brand’s devotion to its Italian roots. In 2013, Fendi donated more than 2 million euros to restore Rome’s Trevi Fountain, and when it was reopened to visitors, Fendi hosted its Autumn/Winter 2017 show on top of the landmark.
Fendi was a family-controlled brand until 1999 and is now owned by LVMH. In late 2020, British fashion designer Kim Jones was named the house’s artistic director for womens wear.
Find a wide variety of vintage Fendi handbags and purses, clothing and other accessories on 1stDibs.
Fendi Brown Zucca Mini Spy Shoulder Bag circa Y2K
By Fendi
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This Fendi Brown Zucca Mini Spy Shoulder Bag circa Y2K is a stylish and iconic accessory that perfectly captures the essence of early 2000s luxury fashion. Crafted with the classic F...
Salvatore Ferragamo Brown Suede & Leather Clutch Messenger Bag circa 1980s
By Salvatore Ferragamo
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Salvatore Ferragamo Chocolate Brown Suede & Leather Clutch Messenger Bag from the 1980s combines classic elegance with vintage sophistication. Crafted from luxurious suede and le...
Prada Brown Leather Embellished Skipper Shoulder Bag
By Prada
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing the luxurious Prada Brown Leather Embellished Skipper Shoulder Bag, a statement piece that exudes sophistication and elegance. Crafted from high-quality brown leather, th...
Christian Dior Y2K Brown & Cream Pony Hair Shoulder Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing the Christian Dior Y2K Brown & Cream Pony Hair Shoulder Bag, a stunning accessory that embodies the essence of early 2000s fashion while remaining effortlessly chic. Circa 2004, during John Galliano's visionary era, this bag features a luxurious pony hair exterior dyed in rich brown and cream tones, offering a tactile yet sophisticated finish. The adjustable shoulder strap, adorned with a striking silver-toned chain accent featuring the iconic "Dior" branding, can be worn in various ways for versatile styling. With a practical design that includes a large back pocket and a cleverly protected front pocket, this bag is not only fashionable but functional. Perfect for day-to-night transitions...
Gucci Deep Brown Alligator Leather Shoulder Bag circa 1960s
By Gucci
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This Gucci Deep Brown Leather Shoulder Bag from the circa 1960s with tigers eye clasp detail exemplifies timeless luxury and exquisite craftsmanship. Its rich, deep brown hue and tex...
Gucci Brown Croc Embossed Leather Crossbody Clutch circa 1970s
By Gucci
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Gucci Brown Croc Embossed Leather Crossbody Clutch from the circa 1970s is a stunning example of vintage luxury craftsmanship. Crafted from rich, textured leather with an embosse...
Rare Limited Edition Fendi F3 Secret Code Bag Brown Alligator Mink Fur Satchel
By Fendi
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Rare Limited Edition Fendi Brown Alligator and Mink Fur F3 Secret Code Bag in excellent condition. Brown alligator leather exterior trimmed with ...
Fendi Vintage Mama Baguette Circa 1999 Brown Crocodile Shoulder Bag
By Fendi
Located in London, GB
Rare vintage Fendi Mama Baguette crafted in glossy brown crocodile leather with gold-tone FF hardware. An iconic early 2000s shoulder bag and highly collectible Y2K investment piece....
Pre-Owned Fendi Peekaboo Bag Large Cognac Leather Top Handle Bag with Gold-Tone
By Fendi
Located in Rochester, NY
Fendi Peekaboo Large Cognac Smooth Calfskin Top Handle Bag, circa 2014–2016. This early-generation Peekaboo Large reflects Fendi’s iconic Roman craftsmanship and remains one of the house’s most enduring silhouettes. Features the signature twist-lock closure, structured top handle, dual interior compartments with rigid center divider, and interior zip pocket. A timeless large luxury tote ideal for everyday or professional use. This is the ultimate workhorse bag for boss ladies!! Brand: Fendi Model: Peekaboo Size: Large Material: Leather Color: Cognac / Caramel Brown Hardware: Gold-Tone Style: Top Handle / Satchel / Carryall Origin: Italy Measurements: 12H” x 17W” x 6D” Authenticity / Independent Resale Notice This is a pre-owned resale item. Seller is not associated or affiliated with Fendi, and this listing is not endorsed by or made on behalf of Fendi. Any trademarks mentioned are used only to identify the genuine pre-owned item being offered for resale. Any authentication is performed independently by the seller and/or qualified third-party authenticators where applicable. No representation is made that the brand owner has authenticated or approved this item. Search Terms Fendi Peekaboo large, brown Peekaboo bag, cognac leather...
Vintage Fendi 1990's Brown Zucca Print Cloth Tote Bag
By Fendi
Located in London, GB
Vintage Fendi 1990’s small tote bag. Features brown zucca print monogram, zip top closure, leather strap with adjustable length and Fendi branded hardware buckle. In excellent condi...
Fendi Sac Beige Noir Moyen Peekaboo Medium Leather and Suede Hand Bag
By Fendi
Located in PARIS, FR
Fendi Peekaboo Medium bag, in lightly grained natural leather, suede interior on one side and natural water snake, gold and silver metalwork, matte and shiny and partially enameled (...
Fendi Dark Brown Selleria Leather Linda Shoulder Satchel Bag 1221f19
By Fendi
Located in Dix hills, NY
Fendi Dark Brown Selleria Leather Linda Shoulder Satchel Bag 1221f19 Date Code/Serial Number: 2454-8BR388-NDU-048 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 13.5" Width: 5.5" Height: 11...
Iconic Italian fashion houses Fendi and Versace teamed up on this delightfully outrageous Fendace reimagining.
When the name of a bag is as well-known as its brand, you know it's a classic.
