As the news of Karl Lagerfeld’s death shattered the world back in February, just two days before Fendi’s Fall 2019 show, a cavernous void filled the room in his absence as the visionary’s final collection with the maison marched the runway in solitude. Now, in succession of Lagerfeld’s 54 years of creative jurisdiction, Silvia Venturini Fendi, who worked closely with the mastermind for decades, is presenting her first women’s ready-to-wear collection as the maison’s new creative director. Previously conceptualizing accessories and menswear for the Italian fashion house, it only made sense for Venturini Fendi to define the next era of her namesake brand, and it’s certainly bright.

Inspired by the warmth of summer and the opulence of nature, Fendi’s latest range explores timeless ensembles of the seventies, the era in which Lagerfeld first began working with the maison. Through a lens of earthy accents and pastel expressions, Venturini Fendi pays homage to the creative with an expansive scope of powerfully fluid silhouettes. A joyous collection of modern elegance, the runway featured a spectrum of colors including pink, beige, green, and brown on sheer tops and fur coats, while bright punches of floral prints bestowed a vintage aura across statement pieces. 

Kaia Gerber radiated light in a blossoming apparatus, while Bella Hadid sported an all-yellow look, epitomizing the monochromatic mogul with each step. Seen on the arms of each model, Fendi inflated its typical accessory offerings with oversized frames in an array of gleaming suede and floral colorways. The iconic Baguette bag received renovation as well, of course, sporting a new fringe detailing that delicately bounced its way down the runway. A culmination of the ’70s, utility-style khaki pants, intricate sequined dresses, carefully nuanced matching sets, glittering eye looks, and intentionally messy buns rounded out the retro-inspired presentation. 

As the models completed their final walk and Venturini Fendi stepped out for a final bow, Fifth Dimension’s 1969 hit “Age of Aquarius” echoed among astounding applause. The song’s bright buoyancy warmly embraced the new era of the Italian fashion house, and the promising future of Venturini Fendi’s creative direction awaits. 

Watch the full show, below.