Silvia Venturini Fendi Steps Down After Decades of Accessory Innovation

On September 29, it was announced that Silvia Venturini Fendi will relinquish her role as Fendi's Creative Director, and will now assume the title of Honorary President of Fendi. She has played a pivotal role in Fendi’s accessory DNA—especially within leather goods, hardware, and menswear—since the early 1990s, helping shape the brand’s identity beyond Karl Lagerfeld’s shadow.

Her departure marks the end of an era. While no successor has been named yet, it opens a moment of flux for one of luxury’s most emblematic accessory houses. For lovers of bags, small leather goods (SLGs), and collectible hardware, this is a moment to tune in. It will be interesting to see if Fendi selects a pre-established luxury fashion creative insider, or instead follows in the footsteps of Louis Vuitton and Christian Louboutin and elects to appoint a celebrity with creative chops instead.

Her Legacy in Fendi Accessories

Intrecciato weaving, fur-leather hybrids, FF motif evolution

Venturini Fendi re-imagined Fendi’s style by experimenting with fur-trimmed leather bags, tonal weaves, new double-F motif designs, and bold use of texture. She bridged the gap between classical and avant-garde styling, giving Fendi’s accessories a language that felt simultaneously innovative and rooted.

Client-driven capsule innovation

Silvia’s leadership led expansion of limited edition drops, boutique exclusives, and region-specific variants that VIP customers covet. These micro-drops often became collector favorites—and usually the first to appreciate in value. She even helped introduce Fendi's high-end custom Made To Order bags, similar to that of Hermes' Special Order bags, which helped boost not only exclusivity and client satisfaction, but Fendi's bottom dollar, too.

Interior detail & hardware refinement

Details were also highlighted during her tenure. Under her watch, even internal linings, zipper pulls, and inside finishes were elevated to have a feeling of ultra luxury. This became part of her signature design aesthetic. 

What’s Next: Signals to Watch

New creative direction & hardware language

Whoever takes her role will likely revisit the FF hardware, clasp designs, and signature finishes. It’s an opportunity for a fresh signature while risking disruption. However the new appointee will have to find a balance between pushing the Fendi brand forward without alienating its existing customer base. No small feat indeed.

Variant splits in early collections

Expect the first season under new leadership to carry “transitional corridors”—pieces that echo Silvia’s era, but introduce new accents and mild changes. Depending on the reception of these new details will greatly affect if these pieces resell for a premium (or conversely, tank) on the secondary market. 

Resale premium on last-generation Fendi

Similar to what often happens with pieces belonging to a retiring Creative Director (think: Virgil Abloh and the spike in demand for his Louis Vuitton pieces after his passing), pieces from the final tenure of Silvia may increasingly be viewed as “last-of-era” collectibles, especially rare hardware or boutique-only variants. These could dramatically shoot up in price.

Cautious rollout and measured change

Given Fendi’s heritage, the brand may shift incrementally—testing new lines in limited boutiques before expanding broadly, to preserve continuity and minimize alienation.

What It Means for Collectors & Shoppers

• Conservative buyers might hold off on purchases until direction becomes clearer, prioritizing stable icons rather than experimental pieces.

• Collector buyers might target rare or boutique variants tied to Silvia’s tenure now, capturing narrative value before the shift.

• Sellers / consignors should catalog provenance of Fendi items: boutique stamps, lookbook tie-ins, internal detail photos. That metadata will carry extra value as change rolls out.

The end of Silvia Venturini's Era

Silvia Venturini Fendi’s departure closes a long chapter in accessory storytelling at Fendi. As the brand prepares for new creative leadership, the space between continuity and evolution becomes the arena of value. For enthusiasts and collectors, this is the moment to focus on variant granularity, hardware nuance, and transitional narrative. Keep your eyes peeled—and your camera ready.