Former global sales vice president for Oscar de la Renta, Stacy Van Praagh will now be heading the North America branch of top design house Fendi as its new president. She will be working closely and reporting to Philippe Fortunato, who currently manages the worldwide retail and wholesale sector for Fendi. Van Praagh replaces current Bottega Venetta U.S. Regional president, Gianluca Flore, who left Fendi this past January. Van Praagh's newest appointment is great news for Fendi executives who praise her as being "charismatic, dynamic and positive". They are excited to have her onboard especially at a time when miraculously despite the economic upheaval, Fendi seems to be immune and doing quite well. Excelling especially in the ready-to-wear and footwear categories. The idea is to have Van Praagh continue the growth trend and help develop and nurture Fendi's relationships with their wholesale partners. Fendi will also continue to expand, with plans to open a store in both Miami and Las Vegas later this year or in early 2010. Given their track record there is no doubt the house of Fendi will continue to rise above the rest.
It seems that the theme for Milan Fashion Week hinders on the unexpected pleasure and lightness of being in love. The "walking on air" vibe is paramount for the energy of all the shows so far and Karl Lagerfield continued the tradition for Fendi on Sunday. His gorgeous gamines were fitted with sheer gauzy fare dipped in the usual spring pastels. Some of the outfits seemed to hinge on the lingerie effect making the overall production echo the desire of a woman in love and using her natural style to demonstrate her satisfaction. Chiffon blouses and dresses whisked by and short skirts cut high enough to reveal voluminous legs and a tapered waist. If Spring is the beginning of great expectations, then Fendi will certainly be a good place to start. 
