- Share this article on Facebook
- Share this article on Twitter
- Share this article on Flipboard
- Share this article on Email
- Show additional share options
- Share this article on Linkedin
- Share this article on Pinit
- Share this article on Reddit
- Share this article on Tumblr
- Share this article on Whatsapp
- Share this article on Print
- Share this article on Comment
Carla Fendi, one of the five sisters who transformed the family leather goods business into a global luxury fashion house famous for its furs, has died following a long illness. She was 79.
The Rome-based fashion house confirmed Fendi’s death Monday, expressing pain for the loss and gratitude for her continued contributions.
The sisters opened the first Fendi store in Rome’s historic center in 1964, and a year later hired a young designer named Karl Lagerfeld, who helped catapult the Italian brand into global fame, with a focus on designing luxury furs.
Each sister had her role, and Carla Fendi, as company president, was the family business’ public face until they sold to the French luxury group LVMH in 1999. She was honorary president until her death.
THR Newsletters
Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day