Fendi on the Wall

From defensive wall, to Disneyland-esque playground (Badaling), to controversial rave location, the Great Wall of China has gone through many different incarnations since its initial construction in 221 BC. The most unusual, perhaps, took place on Friday, when Karl Lagerfeld and Fendi turned it into what could arguably be described as the longest catwalk in the world.

Set against the backdrop of the Juyongguan Great Wall, the show was bound to be a striking and impressive affair. Held on the ancient structure itself, spotlights lit the catwalk as 88 models strutted its length. Organizers were blessed with crystal clear skies on the night, although the timing did present the problem that the open-air event was, in the words of our mole, “freezing.” Fortunately hot chocolate and brandies were on hand to ward off the winter chill.

The collection itself was suitably luxurious, with silks and furs sashaying the length of the catwalk, complete with the signature shoes and baguette bags that Fendi is famed for. And the front row was typically stellar, with A-list actresses Zhang Ziyi, Thandie Newton and Kate Bosworth in attendance.

After the show wrapped, guests were ferried back to Beijing for an after-party at new Sanlitun hotspot, The Village, where Fendi is rumoured to be opening a flashy new store when the venue opens next year. Although The Village isn’t open for business yet, this didn’t stop them pulling out all the stops for the party. Among the more impressive lengths the organizers went to (apart, obviously, from staging a fashion show on the Great Wall of China) was the installation of western-style toilets. No mean feat considering construction firms had to drill down, hook the as-yet-uncompleted building up to the water supply, then install a glam make-shift bathroom and dressing room for one night alone.

Needless to say, guests at both the show, and the party, were impressed. Impressed enough to splash out on designer knickknacks when the store opens next year? That remains to be seen, but as more and more luxury brands keep pushing to penetrate the Chinese market, the answer might well be yes.

Links and Sources:
Reuters: China's Great Wall gets first major fashion show
Daily Mail: Fendi holds fashion show on Great Wall of China
Xinhua: Fashion show on Great Wall
AOL: Video footage of the event