“ADELE F.” | THE BOOK PRESENTATION BY MARIA TERESA FENDI

In November, in the Rome Campus in the Esquilino district, Accademia Costume & Moda hosted the presentation of the book “Adele F.” by Maria Teresa Venturini Fendi, published by Salani Editore.

The author engaged in conversation with Antonio Mancinelli, journalist and Member of the ACM Scientific Committee, and Luigi Contu, Director of ANSA, guiding the audience through a journey that traces the origins and evolution of the Fendi Maison through the central figure of Adele Fendi (1897–1978).

In the book, Maria Teresa Venturini Fendi paints the portrait of a strong, rigorous and visionary woman: a mother and leader capable of involving her five daughters in a shared project that would grow into one of the most iconic institutions of the Made in Italy tradition.

During the presentation, the author and moderators shared anecdotes about Adele’s life and the family’s history, offering an authentic glimpse into a daily life shaped by dedication, courage and decisive choices. The conversation also touched upon the deep and enduring friendship with Karl Lagerfeld, a professional and personal relationship that profoundly influenced both the Maison and international fashion.

The evening was further enriched by a reading of selected excerpts from the book by Nina Pons, Italian actress and niece of the author, who brought the text to life with sensitivity and warmth.

The event also offered an opportunity to remember another key figure in the history of Italian fashion: Rosana Pistolese, the visionary founder of Accademia Costume & Moda in 1964. Her intuition in creating a place where culture, technique and creativity could merge into a single educational pathway continues to inspire generations of professionals.

Her legacy also lives on in the Fiamma Lanzara Library, one of the most important Italian documentary centres dedicated to fashion, costume and the applied arts.

The presentation of “Adele F.” was a moment of reflection and storytelling, in which two central narratives of Italian fashion – those of Adele Fendi and Rosana Pistolese – intersected ideally, revealing how the creative identity of our country has been shaped by women of vision, determination and courage.

It was truly an honour for us to welcome this event, which brought together family memories, fashion culture, and valuable testimonies, that will continue to resonate within our academic community.