Designer Marc Newson debuted his first runway set for Fendi’s Spring Summer 2026 show at Milan Fashion Week. The installation transformed the venue into an undulating terrain composed of 101 different colours, offering an abstract interpretation of the floral motifs in Silvia Venturini Fendi’s latest collection.
Pixelated Runway and Seating Concept
The floral pattern was magnified into supersized pixels, forming both a serpentine runway and stepped seating arranged like sound bars. Each block was made to identical dimensions, aside from a few raised steps, reinforcing the pixel illusion. Finished in 101 shades, the design blurred boundaries between stage and audience, immersing visitors in what Newson described as a “navigable plane of colour.” He explained: “This concept celebrates the primacy of colour: a preoccupation closely tethered to the image of Fendi.”
Tribute to Craft and Collaboration
Newson revealed that the project was a tribute to the “pure joy derived from colour” and a celebration of Fendi’s heritage. The patchwork-like installation also nodded to the brand’s origins as a fur and leather workshop during its centenary year. Reflecting on the collaboration, he said: “It has been an honour to be invited to create the set to showcase Silvia Venturini Fendi’s much anticipated latest collection. Indeed, the honour felt is one measured through proximity: an association with Fendi’s enduring commitment to craftsmanship and innovation.” He also recalled his earlier collaboration with the house in 2000, linking the experience to Fendi’s playful spirit and creative legacy.
This immersive runway design further underscores Newson’s reputation for bold experimentation, reinforcing Fendi’s image as a fashion house where colour, craft, and innovation converge.