Fendi makes bid for Oscars red carpet with high-drama evening wear

Bustier corsetry, swagged asymmetric draping and Vatican-purple mini cape keep dramatic tension simmering

Fendi, the Italian luxury brand now led by the British designer Kim Jones, made a bold bid for red carpet glory with an imperial procession of high-drama evening wear at Paris haute couture fashion week.

The lean, strong-shouldered silhouette of the iconic Academy Awards golden trophy echoed through a collection with its sights set on the Oscars red carpet. Bustier corsetry, swagged asymmetric draping and a Vatican-purple mini cape kept the dramatic tension simmering. Extra long skirts were cut to pool majestically as the wearer paused for the flashbulbs, reflecting light upwards from their satin folds.