She may be a designer of cult status handbags but what really turns Silvia Fendi on is natty footwear. "I am a shoe addict," she confesses, "I have many, many pairs." And her favourite Fendi handbag is always the last one she designed. So, the trendy, buckled B Bag that has already sold the world over in 50 different guises is the current nifty holdall. As for other must-have accessories, she shrugs, "I am not particular at all. In my line of work, we like to be free of any jingle jangle," and she holds out her hands, bereft of bangle, watch, rings. The only sparkle on her being - besides the one in her eyes - are the solitaires in her ears....

In Mumbai, to oversee the opening of the first Fendi store in India, Silvia likens the local sounds and smells to those of Brazil, the country she spent her teenage years in and has never revisited. "If I do, I'm afraid I may not return!" And she smiles at youthful memories tucked away. "I find Mumbai fascinating," she says, "but more than the fancy shops that I have been in and out of, I would really like to walk in the streets and experience the simple things."

Rome-born Silvia, third generation member of a fashion dynasty founded in 1925, grew up thinking Karl Lagerfeld was a painter. "I was four years old and to my eyes, his appearance - long, curly hair, little beard, full-sleeved shirts - was that of an artist." And artist, he was. The German designer, whom Silvia works with closely today, took creative charge of the company in 1965, and helped reinvent the modest fur and leather atelier into a luxury brand that fashionistas love to sport. While he tweaks the bubble skirt or the foulard collar, Silvia takes care of the menswear. Her guy collection for 2007 showcases a tailored, relaxed chic. She thinks Italian men are too well dressed. "Give me a little imperfection, a little individual attitude any day," she says.