At Fendi Casa, classic furniture meets playful chic

STEP inside Fendi Casa at Oxley Rise, and you will find a whimsical armchair in Fendi’s signature Roman yellow. Its seams appear torn, revealing the fillings inside. But look closer and you will realise the artful “tears” are just a design conceit – catnip for Instagram and TikTok enthusiasts.

Elsewhere, sturdy coffee tables stand on oval bases that look like big balls of wobbly jelly, while a pendant lamp hangs from the ceiling, suspended by adjustable leather belts. A large furry retro-looking swivel armchair, called Groove & Groovy, looks like it could swallow you whole.

Fendi Casa is the furniture arm of fashion house Fendi. Its inaugural flagship store in Singapore brings to life designs that blend classic elegance with playful contemporary touches.

High-quality materials – such as solid oak, Patagonia quartzite and micro boucle – feature prominently in these pieces, some of which are customisable. They lend not just beauty and durability, but also a distinct luxurious feel.

Spread over two storeys connected by a marble staircase, the 468 square metre store is the fifth Fendi Casa to open in Asia, following launches in Shanghai, Jakarta, Phnom Penh and Seoul since late 2023.

Alberto Da Passano, CEO of Fendi Casa, attended the grand opening on Jul 10, describing Singapore as “a significant milestone in our strategic expansion plans in Asia”.

“The Asian region is of paramount importance for Fendi Casa,” he said. “It represents a dynamic and rapidly growing market with a deep appreciation for luxury and high-end design. By establishing a strong presence in key Asian capitals, we aim to engage more closely with both local and international clientele who are familiar with and value the Fendi Casa brand.”

Fendi was founded in 1925 as a fur and leather store in Italy. Though successful in its own right, it did not become the global brand it is today until legendary designer Karl Lagerfeld joined the company in 1965. He modernised its fur line, created the iconic Double F logo, expanded the company’s creative scope, and broadened its product range and market appeal.

In 1988, Fendi launched Fendi Casa, aiming to extend Fendi’s aesthetics into home furnishings. As one of the earliest fashion houses to venture into homeware and furniture, it led the broader trend of fashion brands expanding into this market segment.

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Fendi Casa’s approach to home decor “draws inspiration from Italy’s artistic and architectural heritage, including elegant arches, intricate mosaics and classical motifs characteristic of Roman architecture”, noted Da Passano. Yet, any lover of design can instantly see the infusion of contemporary whimsy and quirkiness into its classical styles.

Surprising elements such as unconventional colour combinations, unique textures and slightly misshapen forms make the designs gently stand out, transforming otherwise refined spaces into subtly mischievous ones. Collaborations with celebrity designers such as Dutch star Marcel Wanders and Frenchman Thierry Lemaire have also infused an avant-garde spirit into the collections.

Fendi Casa’s 2023 collaboration with legendary Danish lighting manufacturer Louis Poulsen has led to the reissuing of its iconic PH lamps in Fendi’s signature colours and motifs. The famous PH Artichoke pendant light, for instance, now comes in Fendi’s Roman yellow and Pequin pattern. The PH table and floor lamps have also been reimagined in Roman yellow.

Da Passano said Fendi Casa designs have three cornerstones: authenticity, uniqueness and desirability (conveyed through the Double F logo, iconic patterns and the use of fine materials). “We offer a diverse range of styles that cater to a wide audience,” he said, “while always maintaining the brand’s cohesive aesthetic and quality.”

Fendi Casa is located at 71 Oxley Rise, 01-05. It opens daily from 10 am to 7 pm.