The Fendi fashion house was founded in 1925 in Rome, Italy by Adele and Edoardo Fendi. The company began as a luxury leather goods manufacturer, with the pair's five daughters heavily involved in the formation of the brand. Edoardo Fendi died in 1946, leaving Adele and her daughters to continue the business, expanding from beyond the leather goods Fendi is still known for today to become further incorporated in the world of fashion.

In 1965, Karl Lagerfeld joined the brand, and led Fendi to begin focusing on the fur market. Fendi began incorporating furs into all facets of their goods, rather than sticking to the fur coats that reigned the market. It was also during this time that Fendi adopted the double "F" logo that can still be seen on their products today.

In 1978, Adele Fendi died, leaving her daughters to take over varying parts of the brand with Karl Lagerfeld as creative director. Throughout the 1980's, the Fendi brand saw great success, expanding the business into the United States. In the 1990's, the signature Fendi baguette bag was released, becoming one of the hottest commodities for celebrities across the globe.

The luxury super-group LVMH acquired Fendi in 1999, but management of the brand stayed with the Fendi sisters. Kim Jones was selected as creative director for the brand in 2020.