In a bold move that left the fashion world buzzing, Karl Lagerfeld decided to forgo the traditional runway show for Fendi Spring/Summer 1994 collection. Instead, he opted for a static display at the Barozzi Palace, leaving the audience stunned and intrigued.
As the crowd filed in, they were met with a row of pale knitted garments lined up on mannequins, resembling a shop window. Opposite, black-and-white suits and dresses commanded attention, while a separate room housed pastel suedes and prints.
Lagerfeld, unfortunately absent due to plane trouble, believed the simplicity of his designs could be better appreciated through this unique presentation. However, the real shock came in the form of the swimsuit display.
In yet another room, Italian pornographic movie star Moana Pozzi and her entourage performed in black-and-white swimsuits and red-and-white striped ones.
This unconventional choice raised eyebrows, but Lagerfeld had a simple explanation. According to Kevin Doyle, Lagerfeld used Pozzi because "The Fendis wanted something different, because they had a problem with the unions and didn't want to use the big girls. You know, I'm very much against shows without the great girls, because they have the image and the faces of the time."
While the collection received considerable press at the time, finding images of it now can prove difficult. Lucky us, we were able to find rare footage from this collection. Lagerfeld's bold move left a lasting impression on the fashion world and will undoubtedly continue to inspire designers for years to come.