7 Little-Known Facts About The Fendi Peekaboo
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1 week ago
The cult handbag turns 15
Any handbag obsessive worth their salt will known FENDI – and its army of coveted arm candy – pretty well by now. But while first thoughts might fly to the beloved baguette, it’s the FENDI Peakaboo we’re shouting about these days. Get to know one of the luxury house’s most collectable accessories below.
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What Is A FENDI Peekaboo?
While a more recent player in the designer bag arena, the FENDI Peekaboo has quickly become one of the most recognisable out there. First designed in 2008 (and released in 2009) by Silvia Venturini Fendi, the handbag is renowned for its unique dual-compartment structure and contrasting inner lining.
7 Facts About The FENDI Peekaboo
1. Its Name Comes From A Children’s Game
When it came to naming its signature accessory, FENDI took a more playful approach. Designer Silvia Venturini Fendi did initially plan to call it ‘Hide and Seek’ – a nod to the bag’s hidden inner compartments – but instead settled on ‘Peekaboo’, as she felt it better highlighted the design’s fun and mischievous essence.
2. The FENDI Peekaboo Was Ahead Of The Quiet Luxury Curve
This bag was all about quiet luxury before quiet luxury was even a thing. Let’s set the scene: it’s the late 2000s, maximalism is everywhere and logo branding is the hottest trend on the runway. But not FENDI. The Peekaboo was first introduced at Fendi’s Spring/Summer 2009 show in Milan, and was intentionally created as an antithesis to the loud ‘it’ bags of its time.
The departure from mainstream design trends made the FENDI Peekaboo an instant hit, and a leader in the ‘whispered luxury’ movement that still has a hold on us today.
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3. It Comes With A Smile
Speaking of playfulness, did you know each FENDI can smile right back at you? Well, not really – the Peekaboo features a clever design with a twist lock on both sides, which creates a ‘smile’ effect when opened. When unlocked, the metal hardware’s weight causes the light nappa leather to drop, revealing its interior in a flourish.
4. Hand-Crafted Luxury Sits Behind The Iconic Design
The Peakaboo didn’t become a FENDI icon for no reason – much of its popularity comes from its dynamic design and elite craftsmanship. Production on the Peakaboo is incredibly meticulous, and is said to take anywhere between eight and 12 hours to create one bag due to it being hand-cut and hand-stitched.
‘There was an invasion of bags on the catwalk everywhere at the time, so I really wanted to create a bag that only a real leather goods maker like Fendi could possibly make,’ Venturini Fendi told Harper’s Bazaar. ‘It was the moment to set things straight with a new classic.’
5. The FENDI Peekaboo Is A Celebrity Favourite
The Fendi Peekaboo bag has garnered a significant following over the years, with a huge network of celebrities praising the bag for its versatility and elegance. Amongst its A-list clientele, FENDI counts Taylor Swift, Meghan Markle, Rihanna, Amal Clooney and Hailey Bieber as prominent wearers of its signature handbag.
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6. It’s Also A Unisex Design
Think it’s just for women? Think again. The Peakaboo has evolved over the years to become a unisex accessory, with Venturini Fendi describing it as more of a ‘personal choice’ accessory. Some notable male celebrities that have been spotted using the bag include Alexander Skarsgård, Nicholas Galitzine and Diplo.
7. FENDI’s Signature Handbag Has Only Increased In Value
Like many other designer bags, the FENDI Peekaboo has only accrued value over time. Depending on the release date (and whether it’s a special edition), materials and condition of the bag, you can find them priced anywhere between $1,000 and $50,000.
Featured image courtesy of FENDI
