Tag: Rome

Fit & Fabulous

Maria Grazia Chiuri Appointed Artistic Director of Fendi, Ushering a New Era

Tanisha Cardozo

A historic chapter closes and another begins at Fendi as Silvia Venturini Fendi hands over the creative reins to Maria Grazia Chiuri. After more than thirty years defining the aesthetic of the Roman maison, Venturini Fendi steps back while remaining Honorary President, allowing Chiuri to usher in a new era that balances heritage with modernity.

Born in Rome and trained at the Istituto Europeo di Design, Maria Grazia Chiuri has left a distinctive mark on the fashion world, including her pioneering role as the first woman to lead design at Dior. Known for her poetic vision and political awareness, Chiuri champions fashion that is thoughtful, meaningful, and rooted in craftsmanship.

At Fendi, she inherits a house celebrated for its artistry, bold silhouettes, sumptuous materials, and deep ties to Rome. Her mission is to reinterpret this legacy through her own lens, marrying the discipline of tailoring with imaginative fluidity. Chiuri’s debut collection for Fall/Winter 2026–27 is eagerly anticipated as the first expression of this dialogue between tradition and innovation.

Silvia Venturini Fendi, the last active member of Fendi’s founding family, closes her chapter having shaped menswear, accessories, and countless iconic collections, her influence permanently woven into the house. This handover represents more than a leadership change—it is a convergence of two Roman women whose visions intersect in their respect for heritage and drive for reinvention.

As Fendi enters this new era, Maria Grazia Chiuri is poised to craft a narrative where femininity becomes a declaration, and fashion remains a living art form anchored in the present.

Music

Bang Chan Rules the ‘Roman Empire’: FENDI x Stray Kids Unite Fashion and Music

Tanisha Cardozo

The worlds of music and fashion collide once more as Stray Kids’ leader Bang Chan and FENDI unveil their collaborative masterpiece, “Roman Empire.” The global artist and Maison Brand Ambassador has written, composed, and produced the single — a lyrical and visual tribute to the shared pursuit of creativity, craftsmanship, and timeless excellence.

Filmed at FENDI’s Roman headquarters, the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana, the music video captures the essence of the Maison’s architectural grandeur and Bang Chan’s bold artistic identity. Within its marble arches and soft sunlight, the artist weaves the spirit of Rome into music, echoing FENDI’s legacy of sophistication and innovation.

Bang Chan describes the song as “a love compared to the eternity and grandeur of the Roman Empire,” infusing symbols of the Maison — the Peekaboo bag and the signature F logo — into his lyrics and visuals. Through this creative dialogue, he reinterprets FENDI’s classical motifs through modern soundscapes and emotion.

Musically, “Roman Empire” combines smooth R&B melodies, ethereal synth layers, and a punchy Miami Bass rhythm, producing an atmosphere that is both introspective and cinematic. The balance of elegance and power mirrors FENDI’s own design philosophy — refined yet daring, classic yet forward-looking.

The project extends beyond a traditional brand collaboration. It embodies a creative exchange where heritage meets innovation, and where Bang Chan’s role as an artist transcends performance into storytelling. His ability to merge emotion, sound, and visual identity makes “Roman Empire” not just a song, but an experience that encapsulates both his musical evolution and FENDI’s enduring legacy.

The official music video will debut on November 3 at 6:00 p.m., with a special premiere at COEX’s K-pop Square in Seoul — symbolically connecting the Roman roots of the Maison with the modern pulse of Korean pop culture.

Through “Roman Empire,” Bang Chan and FENDI reaffirm their shared vision: that artistry knows no borders, and when fashion and music unite, they create something timeless — a symphony of style, emotion, and creative freedom.

Human Interest

Italian Chef Valentino Rahim Celebrates PM Modi’s 75th Birthday with Tricolour Millet Pizza in Rome

Tanisha Cardozo

In an extraordinary culinary tribute, renowned Italian chef Valentino Rahim celebrated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday by crafting a unique tricolour millet pizza in Rome. The event took place at Zoya, a well-known restaurant in the heart of the Italian capital, where the chef honoured PM Modi’s global leadership in promoting millets, also referred to as “Shree Anna”, as a sustainable superfood.

This colourful creation wasn’t just about flavour — it was a symbolic gesture. The pizza base was made using millet flour, a nod to the traditional Indian grain that Modi has championed as part of his vision for global food security and healthy diets. The toppings were carefully chosen to reflect the Indian national flag: saffron, white, and green. It was a powerful visual and culinary representation of respect for India’s leader and his campaign to bring millets to the global stage.

Chef Rahim shared his admiration for PM Modi’s foresight, saying, “Tanti Auguri Modi,” — meaning “many best wishes” in Italian — and praised his leadership in advancing sustainable agriculture and nutrition. He called Modi’s millet movement both creative and inspiring, noting that it addresses global concerns such as climate change, food scarcity, and poor dietary habits.

The chef also highlighted the environmental and economic potential of millets, stressing their role in supporting small farmers and promoting biodiversity. The fact that such a tribute came from Italy — the birthplace of pizza — underscores the expanding reach and respect for India’s millet revolution.

This unique moment comes as India begins a 15-day nationwide campaign, Seva Pakhwada, to commemorate PM Modi’s 75th birthday. The campaign will include blood donation camps, cleanliness drives, and exhibitions showcasing the central government’s achievements. It will run from September 17 to October 2, concluding on Gandhi Jayanti.

As part of the birthday celebrations, the award-winning film Chalo Jeete Hain, which reflects Swami Vivekananda’s philosophy that true success lies in serving others, will also be re-released across India beginning September 17.

From a tricolour millet pizza in Rome to nationwide acts of service and cinema, PM Modi’s 75th birthday is being marked with both flavour and purpose — a testament to his global influence and enduring commitment to India’s progress.