On May 1 in New York City, The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty” inspired The Costume Institute’s anticipated Met Gala. Four days later, the exhibition opened to the public, dedicated to the late designer’s unwavering vision in the fashion industry across his time at several labels, including his own. Visualized across several rooms, the exhibition juxtaposed Lagerfeld’s personal and professional work—from sketches and photographs to unforgettable garments and accessories.
Notably, Lagerfeld held a long tenure at the house of Fendi over 54 years, helping shape the Roman maison into a contemporary marvel. Originally hired by the five Fendi sisters, he became a beloved member of the Fendi family, creating a strong bond with Silvia Venturini Fendi and her creative team for the decades that followed.
Lila Grace Moss, Kim Jones, and Kate Moss attend The 2023 Met Gala celebrating “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line Of Beauty” at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, photo by Mike Coppola for Getty Images.
For the occasion, at the Met Gala, we got a firsthand look at a collection of stars wearing Fendi for the night—many designed by Lagerfeld himself—including Kate Moss, Lila Grace Moss, Precious Lee, Gwendoline Christie, Christina Ricci, Suki Waterhouse, Robert Pattinson, and the brand’s Korean Ambassador, Hye Kyo Song. Other names from the brand wearing Fendi included its Artistic Directors, Silvia Venturini and Kim Jones, Delfina Delettrez Fendi, and Fendi’s Chairman & CEO, Serge Brunschwig.
In celebration of the momentous night, Whitewall spoke with Venturini Fendi about Lagerfeld’s legacy at her family’s brand, how this exhibition celebrates his multifaceted talent, and what key Fendi pieces we saw on the red carpet at the Met Gala.
Silvia Venturini Fendi and Delfina Delettrez Fendi at The 2023 Met Gala celebrating “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line Of Beauty” at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, photo by Dimitrios Kambouris for Getty Images.
WHITEWALL: Karl Lagerfeld joined the Fendi family in 1965. Of what importance do you feel his presence was at the brand?
SILVIA VENTURINI FENDI: Karl’s legacy at Fendi is monumental for the brand. Karl was with FENDI for five decades, and had a special bond with the family, which I often refer to as fashion’s longest love story. Karl mixed tradition with innovation and took FENDI to new levels.
WW: How did you feel his unique vocabulary, methodology, and love for fashion was best emphasized in the Met exhibition, of which Fendi was a sponsor?
SVF: You cannot talk about the modern fashion landscape without talking about Karl Lagerfeld. The product of his creative genius is seen across many decades and is tough to put into words. The MET Exhibition captured his complex methodology and evolution of creativity.
Kate Moss at The 2023 Met Gala celebrating “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line Of Beauty” at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, photo by Dimitrios Kambouris for Getty Images.
WW: For the Met Gala, Fendi dressed stars such as Kate Moss, Lila Grace Moss, Precious Lee, Gwendoline Christie, Christina Ricci, Suki Waterhouse, and Hye Kyo Song. How do these names represent the freedom and creativity Fendi is known for?
SVF: The talent dressed by Fendi at the Met Gala this year each embody the brand in their own individual way. We are proud of this group of creatives who, like Fendi, continuously grow and evolve but remain true to their originality and classic style.
WW: Gwendoline Christie, Kate Moss, and Precious Lee all wore garments from 2023 collections designed by Kim Jones. How did you approach creating and styling these looks?
SVF: These gowns made the most sense for each talent as they display Fendi’s unparalleled craftsmanship and aligned with Karl’s legacy of timeless elegance.
Precious Lee at The 2023 Met Gala celebrating “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line Of Beauty,” at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, photo by Dimitrios Kambouris for Getty Images.
WW: Many of the looks were accessorized with jewelry by Delfina Delettrez Fendi, who is also your daughter. How did this contemporary dialogue emphasize Lagerfeld and Fendi’s longstanding relationship—even now after the designer’s passing?
SVF: Delfina is an incredibly talented jewelry designer. Family comes first at Fendi and my family was thrilled to welcome in Karl Lagerfeld to the house in 1965. I had the honor to work with him very closely over my lifetime and his tenure at Fendi. My daughter was lucky enough to witness his genius, and the craftsmanship of Fendi and Karl has been passed down through generations.
WW: What design values did Fendi and Karl Lagerfeld share that his time at the brand could be known for?
SVF: Karl introduced innovative designs and embraced Fendi’s commitment to being masters of materials. At Fendi today we honor the balance of tradition and innovation that Karl introduced.
Gwendoline Christie at The 2023 Met Gala celebrating “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line Of Beauty” at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, photo by Jamie McCarthy for Getty Images.
