I’m betting Fendi’s latest bag will soon be First on your luxury wishlist. Don’t believe me? Meet the Fendi First. New for Autumn/Winter 2021, the Fendi First is part of Kim Jones’ first ready-to-wear collection for the house as artistic director. He had help from Silvia Venturini Fendi (the granddaughter of Fendi’s founders) and together the pair have released Fendi’s latest ‘It’ bag contender – the Fendi First.

Breaking away from the cohort of Fendi classics, such as the Baguette, Peekaboo (the list goes on), the design of the Fendi First is entirely new and represents a new chapter for the famed fashion house. Featuring Fendi’s signature F as a statement clasp, the Fendi First is fashion’s latest must-have pouch. This innovative and sophisticated design has been on my mind since I first laid eyes on it. I’ve got my hands on the new Fendi First in black nappa leather in the size medium.

In this post, I’m going to share with you my thoughts on this newest gem from Fendi.

Fashion has been pouch obsessed for quite some time now. First came the Bottega Veneta Pouch which defied all odds, becoming one of the most sought-after ‘It’ bags of modern times. Then came styles such as the Louis Vuitton Coussin which are pouch-like. As we see the return of big bags and relaxed slouchy designs on the runway, it’s clear to see why fashion aficionados are eager to embrace these styles. Functional – check! Spacious – check! Comfortable to clutch – definitely check! And what I love about the Fendi First is that, not only does it boast all of these qualities, but the prominent F-shaped clasp gives the style structure. It is undeniably the focal point of the bag and makes the style unmistakably Fendi.

With the cohort of quirky micro and ultra structured designs on the fashion scene right now, it’s easy to believe the notion that desirable bags of the moment simply do not prioritise practicality. But this is not true for the Fendi First. Owing to its relaxed structure and simple pouch design, the bag is spacious inside. The F clasp closure sets the design apart from other popular pouch styles. In recent seasons as slouchy pouches have gained prominence, they are often paired with chunky chain straps. Whilst some versions of the Fendi First appeared with chain straps on the runway, the bag comes with leather straps when sold from the Fendi boutiques. The smaller styles feature thin leather straps whilst the larger sizes come with a thicker leather strap carry option.

Lambskin nappa leather

Signature Fendi F clasp closure

Detachable leather shoulder strap

Interior compartment

Gold-finish hardware

FF Monogram interior lining

Size options –

Small – 26cm length, 18cm height, 9.5cm depth

Medium – 32.5cm length, 23.5cm height, 15cm depth

Material options – lambskin nappa leather, mink

Colour options – black, dark brown, light brown, beige, pink

In line with Fendi’s new direction as a house under the leadership of Kim Jones, the new Fendi First bag is the epitome of edginess meets modern luxury. Instead of trying to recreate Fendi’s ‘It’ bag glory days of the early ‘00s, Jones and Venturini Fendi are presenting us with something entirely new and exciting.

Original and head-turning, the Fendi First is the perfect bag to kick off Jones’ tenure at the house. The pop of Fendi’s signature brown FF Monogram in the bag’s interior ties together the house’s classic charm with Jones’ contemporary and compelling design aesthetic.

I’ve been wearing my new Fendi First with statement power suits befitting this statement bag. It’s the perfect accessory to pair with an assemblage of smart yet relaxed clothing. And on your feet, you can opt for the new Fendi First heels. The shoes also sport the same F-shaped detailing but upside down to act as the heel of the shoe.

Of course the Fendi First is also available in micro styles – it’s 2021 afterall and the micro bag trend is very much upon us. These microscopic versions of the bag are in fact nano charms which can be worn as an accessory on larger styles or crossbody with the long chain strap.

What are your thoughts on Fendi’s latest contender for ‘It’ bag status?