Explore Fendi Accessories from Modern Classics to the Iconic Baguette

Carla, Paola, Anna and Silvia Venturini Fendi in 1989 and Fendi's 1974 interlocking F coated canvas shoulder bag.

Fendi 1974 interlocking “FF” luggage suite on display at the Fendi store in Rome.

Fendi 1974 stamp patch, interlocking “FF” coated canvas ishoulder bag, Rome, Italy.

Model in in Fendi ready to wear, carrying two Fendi interlocking “F” handbags during a presentation at Bonwit Teller's Fendi Suite in Chicago, Illinois on September 13, 1977.

Fendi 1974 embossed “FF” leather baguette bag.

Fendi’s Baguette bag, designed by Silvia Venturini Fendi, became the ultimate must-have accessory in the 1990s, propelled by “Sex and the City” and its fashion-savvy protagonist, Carrie Bradshaw. As WWD made note in 2024, the bag — and Fendi’s accessories evolution — has been symbolic to the brand’s heritage for decades.

Fendi’s suede body bag and fur coat in 1975 and Fendi interlocking “F” handbags at Bonwit Teller in 1977. Fairchild Archive

A family-founded brand, Fendi first gained recognition for its craftsmanship in furs and leather goods in the 1920s. Its evolution in the accessories space accelerated in the 1960s, when two of the famed five Fendi sisters, Alda and Carla, opened two boutiques, one dedicated solely to accessories, on Rome’s prestigious Via Borgognona. By the end of that decade, Fendi had welcomed Karl Lagerfeld as a creative contributor.

WWD highlighted the Fendi sisters’ ingenuity early on, categorizing their craftsmanship and quality as timeless classics that stood on par with luxury giants like Gucci, long before the brand garnered international recognition.

By the 1970s, Fendi began introducing new materials to its line. Handbags in quilted silks, velvets and intricate appliqués added to its signature Zucca and Pequin striped inverted “F” (for fun and fur) logo — a contribution from Lagerfeld — in tobacco brown and black featured in small accessories, handbags and luggage. The Fendi logo bags contributing to the beginnings of a winning trend for luxury brands in the 1980s.

Fendi’s 1989 signature pequin striped black and brown raincoat, umbrella and pet accessories. Fairchild Archive

Entering its great expansion in the 1990s, Fendi began to diversify its handbag and luggage lines with new collaborations, along with opening one of its first Stateside flagships in New York. Venturini Fendi joined the family brand bringing a new energy to its accessories division. Her Baguette bag, introduced in 1997, redefined the luxury handbag category placing Fendi’s accessories in a fashion league all its own.

Fendi spring 2023 FF beaded mini baguette and baguette charm bags. — Fendi spring 2023 FF beaded mini Baguette and Baguette charm bags. Masato Onoda for WWD

Continuing its centennial celebration,Fendi is set to welcome Maria Grazia Chiuri as the brands next creative director. Chiuri recently spoke with WWD and discussed her plans to honor and evolve the House of Fendi’s signature codes, with a strong focus on accessories.

WWD is revisiting Fendi’s accessories evolution from the 1970s to its currents with exclusive images from the Fairchild Archive in images of lesser known handbag styles, pet accessories and the iconic Baguette bag that cemented Fendi’s fashion legacy.