Silvia Venturini Fendi described her SS21 collection as “a patchwork of memories.” As brands look to digest and translate the past year, Silvia mused on “time spent with family – generations reunited at home in Rome – [as] a catalyst for quiet introspection: at the window or in the garden, watching the world go by.”

Streamed live across Fendi’s channels, the house had prepared a show space for an intimate, distanced audience. Pure white curtains hung from the ceiling, floating in the breeze with projected shadows of open patio doors and wild flora, creating the feel of a country home. It was a dreamlike location that conjured imagery of domestic bliss and fresh mornings. Soundtracked by an ethereal mix by Italian musician Lorenzo Senni featuring a live string quartet, this could well be our new happy place.

The collection itself echoed this mindset. Stripped back, silhouettes were softened almost to the point of weightlessness, with shirt sleeves left unbuttoned and tunics flared to “elevate the comforts of home” – Fendi’s version of your old sweatpants and band tee is much more chic. Within this relaxed setting, Fendi’s savoir-faire took centre stage: apron dresses were rendered in delicate silk duchesse while tailored details were repurposed as trompe l’oeil knitwear, and boutis satin quilting wrapped around models as if they were carrying their duvets to the sofa for a lazy day – the ultimate luxury. The abundance of quilting and linen was actually inspired by Karl Lagerfeld, who, according to Silvia, had an impressive collection. As for accessories, they became fragile spirits, concealed by embroidered silk veils over Baguette and Peekaboo bags in floral fur and cotton ajouré or quilted FF logo leather.

With a cast of related models walking the show – mothers, fathers, sisters and sons – here was Silvia underlining Fendi’s core value: family. Despite strange and difficult circumstances, the designer was reminding us to cherish the things that truly matter.