Fendi: A Century of Roman Craft and Fashion History
Explore the history of Fendi, from its 1925 Roman workshop on Via del Plebiscito to its centennial. Discover the legacy of Adele, Edoardo, and the Fendi sisters.
Best quote from Fendi: A Century of Roman Craft and Fashion History
The most practical lesson is the power of re-invention without losing your soul. Fendi didn't just stick to traditional fur when it became old-fashioned; they ripped it up, dyed it, and turned it into something new, but they kept the craftsmanship as their anchor.
This audio lesson was created by a BeFreed community member
History of Fendi the fashion brand
Frequently Asked Questions
Fendi began in 1925 as a small boutique and fur workshop located on Via del Plebiscito in Rome. Founded by the young couple Adele and Edoardo Fendi, the brand started as a local Roman craft business during the Roaring Twenties. Over the last century, it has evolved from a tiny workshop into a global powerhouse that defines luxury, driven by a story of romance and a creative partnership that lasted over fifty years.
As of April 30, 2026, Fendi is officially celebrating its centennial year, marking exactly one hundred years since its founding in 1925. This milestone honors a century of Roman craft and fashion history, tracing the brand's journey from its original roots in Italy to its current status as a legendary high-fashion house. The celebration highlights the brand's enduring legacy and its transition from a family-run workshop to a world-renowned luxury name.
Before the famous 'FF' logo existed, Fendi's original symbol was actually a squirrel. This unique choice came from a gift Edoardo Fendi gave to his wife, Adele, because he often remarked that she was 'as busy as a squirrel.' This charming piece of Roman fashion history reflects the personal and hardworking nature of the brand's founders during their early days operating the boutique and fur workshop on Via del Plebiscito.
The foundation of Fendi was built by Adele and Edoardo Fendi, who opened their first shop in Rome in 1925. The brand's history is also defined by a pack of five powerhouse sisters who took the reins and helped transform the family business. Their leadership, combined with a creative partnership that spanned over half a century, was instrumental in moving Fendi beyond its origins as a local fur workshop into the global luxury fashion industry.
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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
