Fendi to relocate Rome office

Luxury brand Fendi - part of conglomerate LVMH - is relocating its Rome offices to the one city’s most striking modern buildings, the Square Coliseum. Also known as the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana, the building will allow Fendi’s 400 head office employees – who are currently split over two locations - to come together under one roof. “Our offices in the Palazzo Fendi and the Palazzo della Civiltà are symbols of our Italian roots, our Italian soul, our dialogue between tradition and modernity, all of which characterize Fendi,” said Petro Beccari, CEO at the company.

The Italian press, however, interpreted the news a little differently. “Another victory for Bernard Arnault” said Italian publication Fashion Magazine, obviously slighted by the timing of the announcement: just two weeks ago, LVMH also announced that acquisition of Italian cashmere company Loro Piano.

But for Fendi, the news comes as the brand prepares to celebrate its 90th anniversary and marks a fundamental step forward in its quest to preserve Italian heritage, following a four-year commitment to restore the Trevi fountain.

Fendi signed a 15-year lease for the offices and is looking to create a 1000m² space with the intent of highlighting Italian craftsmanship. “The Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana is surrounded by 28 statues which represent the craftsmanship of the Italian people,” said creative director Karl Lagerfeld, who has worked at the brand for 48 years.

The Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana was initially constructed for the Universal Exhibition of Rome in 1942 but the event never took place. Today, the surrounding area is a budding business district encircled by museums, restaurants and nightclubs.

Fendi to relocate Rome office

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