Romantic elegance dominates the runway

At the latest runway shows for Fendi and Marni, a distinct shift towards romantic elegance was unmistakable. Flowing fabrics, delicate lace, and intricate frills took center stage, evoking a sense of softness and nostalgia. The collections embraced a dreamy aesthetic, with designers leaning into ethereal silhouettes that celebrated movement and grace.

Bows, a recurring motif, adorned dresses, blouses, and even accessories, adding a touch of whimsy to the ensembles. Whether oversized and dramatic or subtle and refined, these details reinforced the overarching theme of femininity. Lace, another key element, was used in sheer overlays and intricate paneling, creating a delicate interplay between structure and fluidity.

Fendi’s collection featured flowing maxi dresses in pastel hues, with ruffled hems and billowing sleeves that exuded an air of effortless sophistication. Marni, on the other hand, played with bold contrasts, incorporating voluminous skirts and layered textures to create a sense of romantic drama. The emphasis on soft, flowing fabrics allowed for a sense of movement that felt both modern and timeless.

“This season, we wanted to explore the beauty of softness,” a Fendi representative shared. “It’s about embracing femininity in a way that feels powerful yet delicate.”

The absence of structured tailoring and sharp lines further highlighted this shift. Instead of rigid forms, designers opted for silhouettes that draped and cascaded, reinforcing the idea that elegance does not have to be confined to traditional power dressing. The collections suggested a return to a more poetic and expressive form of fashion, where details like frills and lace are not just embellishments but statements in their own right.

Accessories also played a crucial role in enhancing the romantic aesthetic. Satin ribbons tied around the waist, pearl-adorned handbags, and delicate gloves all contributed to the overall sense of refinement. Even footwear followed suit, with ballet flats and lace-up sandals replacing the usual structured heels.

As the models glided down the runway, it became clear that this season’s vision was one of softness and grace. The collections from Fendi and Marni embraced a romantic sensibility that felt fresh yet nostalgic, proving that elegance can be both bold and delicate at the same time.

The absence of power suits and its significance

One of the most striking aspects of the Fendi and Marni runway shows was the complete absence of power suits. Traditionally a staple of high-fashion collections, the structured blazer and tailored trousers were nowhere to be seen, signaling a notable departure from the sharp, corporate-inspired aesthetics that have long dominated womenswear.

This shift is particularly significant in the context of fashion’s evolving relationship with femininity and power. For decades, the power suit has been synonymous with authority, independence, and professionalism, often serving as a sartorial symbol of women’s empowerment in male-dominated spaces. Its omission from these collections suggests a redefinition of what strength in fashion looks like today.

Rather than relying on rigid tailoring to convey confidence, designers at Fendi and Marni embraced fluidity and softness as a new form of empowerment. Flowing dresses, delicate lace, and intricate frills replaced the sharp lines of blazers and trousers, challenging the notion that structure is necessary for a commanding presence. This approach suggests that femininity itself can be powerful, without the need for traditionally masculine elements to validate it.

The absence of power suits also reflects a broader cultural shift in how women express authority and self-assurance. In an era where individuality and self-expression are increasingly valued, the idea that one must conform to a specific uniform to be taken seriously is being questioned. Instead, these collections propose that confidence can be found in movement, texture, and detail—elements that have historically been associated with softness rather than strength.

“We wanted to move away from the idea that power dressing has to be rigid,” a Marni spokesperson explained. “Strength can be found in fluidity, in the way fabric moves, in the way a garment makes you feel.”

This perspective aligns with a growing trend in fashion that prioritises comfort and emotional connection over strict formality. As work environments become more flexible and personal style takes precedence over traditional dress codes, the need for structured power dressing is diminishing. Instead, designers are offering garments that allow for freedom of movement and self-expression, proving that authority does not have to come at the expense of comfort or femininity.

While power suits may not have made an appearance on these runways, the message was clear: strength in fashion is evolving. The collections from Fendi and Marni suggest that power can be found in softness, and that femininity, in all its romantic and expressive forms, is a force to be reckoned with.

A new era of femininity in fashion

The collections from Fendi and Marni signal a broader transformation in the fashion landscape—one that embraces a new era of femininity. Gone are the days when strength in style was solely defined by sharp tailoring and structured silhouettes. Instead, designers are redefining power through softness, fluidity, and intricate detailing, proving that femininity itself can be a bold statement.

This shift reflects a growing movement towards self-expression and individuality in fashion. Rather than adhering to rigid dress codes or traditional notions of authority, women are now encouraged to embrace styles that resonate with their personal identities. Flowing fabrics, delicate lace, and romantic embellishments are no longer seen as merely decorative but as integral elements of a modern, empowered wardrobe.

At the heart of this transformation is a renewed appreciation for craftsmanship and detail. The intricate bows, cascading ruffles, and sheer overlays seen on the runways highlight a return to artistry in fashion. These elements, once considered overly delicate or ornamental, are now being celebrated as symbols of confidence and self-assurance. The message is clear: femininity is not a weakness, but a powerful form of self-expression.

Beyond aesthetics, this evolution in fashion also speaks to a cultural shift in how femininity is perceived. For years, women have been encouraged to adopt traditionally masculine styles to be taken seriously in professional and social settings. However, the latest collections challenge this notion, demonstrating that strength can be found in softness, and that elegance and authority are not mutually exclusive.

“Femininity is not about fragility—it’s about confidence, grace, and self-expression,” a Fendi designer remarked. “This season, we wanted to celebrate the beauty of being unapologetically feminine.”

This perspective aligns with a broader movement towards inclusivity and diversity in fashion. As designers move away from rigid definitions of power dressing, they are creating space for a wider range of styles that cater to different identities and preferences. Whether through flowing dresses, intricate lacework, or romantic silhouettes, the emphasis is on choice—allowing women to define their own version of strength and elegance.

The collections from Fendi and Marni serve as a testament to this evolving narrative. By embracing femininity in all its forms, they challenge outdated notions of power and redefine what it means to dress with confidence. In this new era of fashion, strength is not about conforming to expectations—it’s about embracing individuality, celebrating beauty, and wearing what makes you feel empowered.

Romantic elegance: Bows, lace, and flowing dresses dominate the runway

Soft femininity took centre stage at Fendi and Marni, where bows, lace, and flowing silhouettes reigned supreme. This season, designers embraced a romantic aesthetic, favouring delicate details over sharp tailoring. The result? A dreamy, ethereal mood that felt both nostalgic and refreshingly modern.

At Fendi, sheer fabrics and intricate lacework created an air of effortless sophistication. Billowing sleeves, cinched waists, and cascading ruffles added movement, while oversized bows adorned necklines and waistlines, reinforcing the ultra-feminine direction. The palette was soft and muted—think blush pinks, ivory, and powder blues—evoking a sense of timeless elegance.

Marni, on the other hand, played with volume and texture, offering a more avant-garde take on romanticism. Flowing maxi dresses in rich jewel tones were layered with delicate lace and unexpected draping. The use of asymmetry and exaggerated proportions gave the collection a modern edge, proving that romance doesn’t have to be predictable.

This shift towards softness signals a departure from the structured, power-driven silhouettes of previous seasons. Instead, designers are embracing a more fluid, expressive form of femininity—one that celebrates grace, movement, and a touch of whimsy.

The absence of power suits: A shift away from structured tailoring

In a striking departure from recent seasons, power suits were noticeably absent from the runways at Fendi and Marni. The sharp, structured tailoring that once defined modern femininity has given way to a softer, more fluid aesthetic. This shift suggests a reimagining of power dressing—one that prioritises ease and self-expression over rigid formality.

For years, the power suit has been a symbol of authority and confidence, but this season, designers are challenging the notion that strength must be conveyed through structure. Instead of sharply cut blazers and tailored trousers, we saw flowing silhouettes, delicate fabrics, and intricate detailing take centre stage. The message? Power can be found in softness, and femininity need not be confined to rigid lines.

At Fendi, the absence of suiting was replaced by fluid draping and cinched waists, proving that confidence can be exuded through movement rather than structure. Marni took a more experimental approach, playing with asymmetry and layering to create a sense of effortless strength. The result was a wardrobe that felt both empowering and undeniably romantic.

This evolution in fashion reflects a broader cultural shift—one that embraces versatility and individuality over traditional notions of authority. As women redefine what power means to them, designers are responding with collections that celebrate freedom, fluidity, and a new kind of confidence.