Fendi to fund the restoration of Rome's Trevi Fountain
Fendi announced today that it has pledged a hefty 2.5 million euros to restore five fountains across Rome, including the mother of all gorgeous water sources, the Trevi Fountain. The new project, dubbed 'Fendi for Fountains' gives a neat nod to the brand's 83-year-old double-F logo. It is also an excuse for creative director Karl Lagerfeld to get behind his lens for a new book of daguerreotype photography called 'The Glory of Water'.
'I've been to Rome 700 times and always photographed the monuments,' said Lagerfeld, clutching a glass of diet cola with leather mesh gloves, during a press conference inside Musei Capitolini. 'They're so photogenic. I don't think anyone will complain about another book on the fountains of Rome.'
In fact, as Silvia Fendi, creative director of accessories and kidswear, pointed out, the five Fendi sisters (one of whom was her mother Anna) already published a book on the city's fountains in the 1980s. A few years early in 1977, Fendi presented a film called 'Historie d'eau', written by Lagerfeld, where a Roman tourist takes a Fellini-esque plunge inside the Trevi fountain.
These days, no one is swimming inside the fountains of Rome. Most, like the 18th century Trevi, are connected to rusty pipes and antique filter systems from 1732. Last summer, after a piece of 1950s stucco fell off the fountain's Baroque facade and caused a national uproar, Mayor Alemanno made a plea for outside funding.
The call was answered by Fendi, one of the city's most influential fashion companies and family dynasties. Fendi's hefty donation, which also restores The Four Fountains, is advertising-free, meaning there will be no big billboards wrapped around Nicolo Salvi's masterpiece during construction. 'It's a straight gift,' said Mayor Alemanno, 'no strings attached.'
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
JJ Martin
-
Think small, think electric, as Hyundai attempts to revolutionise the classic Indian three-wheeler
Hyundai’s Micro Mobility strategy, in collaboration with Indian manufacturer TVS, has revealed two conceptual takes on small electric urban transport in a bid to cut the country’s crushing pollution issue
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
‘Just beneath the surface there’s another world’: How David Lynch used hair and make-up to create his singular universe
From Blue Velvet and Mulholland Drive to Twin Peaks, David Lynch used hair and make-up in his films as a narrative device, writes Laura Havlin
By Laura Havlin Published
-
Burns Night 2025: where to celebrate in London
It is time to raise a wee dram to Scotland’s national poet Robert Burns on Burns Night (25 January). Here is our pick of places to enjoy an evening of generous speechmaking, toasting, and drinking around London
By Tianna Williams Published
-
The Fendi factory in Tuscany disappears into the landscape
The new Fendi Factory in Italy, set in the rolling hills of Tuscany, is the brainchild of Milan architecture studio Piuarch and the luxury brand
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Rome’s Trevi Fountain plays host to Fendi’s 90th anniversary celebrations
By JJ Martin Published
-
Empire building: superbrand Fendi moves to Rome’s Palazzo dell a Civilta Italianà
By JJ Martin Published
-
Roman renaissance: Fendi restores Rome’s Trevi Fountain
Fendi unveils the results of its 2.5 million euro renovation of Rome's Trevi Fountain
By Ali Morris Last updated