Drawing upon archival memories and intergenerational touchstones, Silvia Venturini Fendi exerts a rather vivid narrative for FENDI’s AW25. The season’s collection bears distinct elements of playfulness and articulate precision, that figuratively tempers Roman sensuality with intellectual rigour. And so, in honour of the brand’s 100th year anniversary, the team hosted a disarmingly charming evening, headlined by distinguished guest, Heart Evangelista, one of Philippines’ notably celebrated artists and fashionable icon, at The Exchange TRX.
Naturally, and in line with this centennial celebration, The Peak Malaysia was privileged to gain some insight, speaking with Heart Evangelista on the textured convergence between fashion and identity, her personal commitment to creative authenticity, and the central tenet she chooses to live by: that elegance is not just worn — it is embodied through purpose and self-respect.
FENDI FW25 Collection Debut and Exclusive Cocktail Reception
Heart Evangelista at FENDI AW25 and 100th Anniversary.
Curated by Venturini Fendi, the collection is as much a personal meditation as it is a sartorial journey, posing a striking ode to five generations of family legacy and artistic reinvention. As the boutique transformed into a celebratory enclave of style and reverence, guests mingled beneath champagne flutes, enchanted by the vibrant interplay of textures, silhouettes, and the unmistakable FENDI spirit.
So as the season commemorated the epitome of its 100th year, the team brought together a celebration chic and excessively monumental – inviting stylish celebrities to grace the entrance, leaving honourable guests and media affiliates mesmerised, and timely gushing for champagne and light hors d’oeuvres, whilst moved in anticipation to speak with Heart Evangelista.
Women and men’s collections alike, were imbued with narrative depth and creative tension, empowered by a sartorial legacy – animated by Italian tradition, yet subtly subverted by modern tailoring, and nonetheless reflects exaggerated proportions of nuanced irony. So by absolute totality, it was a season celebrating, not just the underlying crux of definitive tailoring, but its timeless proclivity to channel the spirit of maison’s lineage – one that is deliberately Roman sophistication.
Speaking to Heart Evangelista: Style, Devotion, and Words to Live By
Heart Evangelista at FENDI AW25 and 100th Anniversary.
Accordingly, Evangelista’s presence felt both symbolic and intentional, a figure whose own cross-cultural relevance and enduring elegance mirrored the brand’s ability to stay rooted in its heritage while continuing to evolve.
Do you view fashion as a form of self-expression, strategy, or identity?
I think it would be all three; because it is a story, it is your identity, and it is for sure, your armour.
What key insight has devotion – romantic, familial, or self-love offered you?
The most important lesson that love has taught me – aside from romance – because that it is automatic. It could probably even be less than a year – but that in experience, it is really unconditional. Because, love is unconditional and at the end of the day. No matter what you may say – especially when you are married.
Is there a guiding principle, or quote that conscientiously drives you?
Okay. My mom would always tell me, “You would rather have a handful of friends, than an army of acquaintances.” Because, in the end, truly, you don’t need a lot of people – you don’t need a lot of followers – even if it is my name, my bread and butter. Because you need just key people to appreciate you. And then, you would have lived a full life.
FENDI’s Stylish Celebration with Malaysia’s Fashion Icons
Left to right: Zhen Ning, Perry Kuan, Athisha Khan, Christinna Kuan, Fyza Kadir, Heart Evangelista, Azrel Ismail, Alicia Amin, Scha Al-Yahya, Awal Ashaari, Nia Atasha, Eyka Farhana, Cherrie Liong, Alvin Chong, Hael Husaini.
The celebration attracted a stylish guest list showcasing FENDI’s enduring appeal, featuring Malaysia’s fashion icons like the impeccably dressed Kuan siblings, Christinna and Perry, and power couple Scha Al-Yahya and Awal Ashaari, all wearing standout pieces from the new collection.
Consequently, as FENDI steps into its next century, the Fall/Winter 2025 collection underscores a vision that is not only reflective, but remarkably forward-facing — a house continually redefining what it means to be classic in an age of flux.
