Exploring Fendi’s Headquarters in Rome: where Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana stands

The Roman fashion house Fendi, now part of the French luxury giant LVMH, has for several years made its headquarters in a historic Roman landmark, the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana, blending fashion, history, and art.

What is the history of the Fendi fashion house?

Founded in Rome in 1918 as a fur workshop by Adele Casagrande, the company adopted its current name in 1925 following her marriage to Edoardo Fendi. The fur workshop evolved into the brand’s first boutique, specialising primarily in leather accessories, particularly handbags, whose exceptional quality soon gained international recognition.

In the decades that followed, the fashion house was run by the founders’ children until the arrival of Karl Lagerfeld. From the 1960s onwards, Fendi, by then a globally renowned brand, became synonymous with luxury, dressing Italian and Hollywood film stars as well as leading figures of the international jet set with its signature fur creations.

During the 1980s, driven by increasing demand for designer products, Fendi expanded its offerings to include clothing, home furnishings, fragrances, and eyewear.

Fendi: why choose Rome for its headquarters?

Since the early 2000s, the Roman fashion house has been part of the French luxury giant LVMH, following an acquisition. It later selected the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana as its headquarters, signing a 15-year lease with EUR S.p.A.

This choice not only strengthens Fendi’s deep-rooted connection with Rome but also reflects the brand’s commitment to preserving and promoting Italy’s historical and cultural heritage. In keeping with this vision, the building’s ground floor features an exhibition space of approximately 1,000 square metres, hosting exhibitions and installations open to the public.

History of the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana (Square Colosseum)

Also known as the Palazzo della Civiltà del Lavoro or the Square Colosseum, this monumental building is located in the EUR district of Rome. Designed in the late 1930s by architects Giovanni Guerrini, Ernesto Bruno La Padula, and Mario Romano, it was conceived as a symbol of the grandeur and modernity of the Fascist regime.

The building has a square base and takes the form of a parallelepiped with four identical facades. Its reinforced concrete structure is entirely clad in travertine. Architecturally, each facade features 54 arches, while the ground floor is adorned with 28 statues that allegorically represent the virtues, arts, and trades of the Italian people.

Recognised by the Ministry of Culture as a building of cultural interest under Legislative Decree 42/2004 and designated for exhibition and museum purposes, it has housed the headquarters of Fendi since July 2013. The fashion house has dedicated the ground floor to exhibitions, opening it to the public.

Article translated by Agnese Giardini

Tag

Buildings and Skyscrapers

Curiosities

Subscribe to our newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter to keep up to date with our latest news Subscribe with your email address to receive the latest news, updates and practical tips from the real estate world directly in your inbox

Subscribe