Fendi Takes Great Wall of China by Storm

It was an event that everyone in the fashion society is talking about. Fendi takes its fashion show into another height with the staging of its regional runway show in one of the world's greatest wonders - the Great Wall of China.

A star-studded yet memorable event in the history of fashion, A-list celebrities, prominent fashion figures, top-notch socialites and media members from all over the world were flown into the Chinese capital for the event.

Big names in entertainment industry namely actress Thandie Newton, Kate Bosworth, and our very own Ziana Zain were present to witness the historic show, joining LVMH big boss Bernard Arnault and wife.

The event, which is touted to be the fashion show of the year kicked off with guests being treated to a lavish cocktail party where Moet champagne flows freely into Swarovski-encrusted flutes, enjoyed with delectable canapés before being ushered to the runway venue.

Once the guests have taken their seats, the show started with Chinese supermodel du jour, Du Juan, making a grand entrance in a Chinese red belted dress.

Exclusively for the Beijing event, a small collection of ready-to-wear was created by Fendi and presented along with pieces taken from its Spring/Summer 2008 collection, which was shown at the Milan show months ago.

The show continues with both international and local models parading fresh garbs, ranging from girlish dresses with ubiquitous touch of the 40's silhouettes, fur stoles and jackets, and a menswear piece that mirrors Karl Lagerfeld's personal style.

Black and white dominates the collection followed by a splash of pastel hues, blue, yellow, and imperial-looking Chinese red. Prints of swirls in various colors graced some of next season's must wear pieces.

Constructivism feel prevails on structured metallic piped pieces that are made of knee-length double-breasted jacket, double-breasted dress with frontal cutout, and a coat dress with black tulle underlayering.

For accessories, apart from the traditional Baguette that keeps evolving with the current fashion taste, oversized multicolor clutch should come handy not only to keep your personal belongings but also as fashion statement.

Another must have in your Spring closet next year should be the imperial-inspired printed clutch with red tassels, as clutched by Du Juan at the end of the show, where the model made her final appearance on the catwalk as a Chinese empress in black cheongsam dress.

At the finale of the show, that is after Du Juan appeared, designer Karl Lagerfeld and Sylvia Venturini Fendi made their victorious appearance on the runway and showered with thousands of cheerful applauses from the audiences. Later guests adjourned for a celebration party where they all party till the wee hours of the morning.

Fendi's Spring/Summer 2008 collection will be available at Fendi boutiques and select retailers by early next year. At the moment, its Fall/Winter 2007-08 lineup is available in stores now.

*Photos courtesy of Style.com/Getty Images.

Fendi - Indulge Floor, Starhill Gallery, 181 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.