Maximilian Davis has brought a redefined elegance and a fresh perspective to Salvatore Ferragamo since his appointment as Creative Director in early 2022, transforming the Italian fashion house’s aesthetic and steering it into exciting, uncharted territories.
The British designer’s third collection, showcased for Spring/Summer 2024, was a breathtaking vision of sophistication and subtlety, stepping away from Ferragamo’s iconic red and unveiling creations with a softer and refined color palette. This groundbreaking collection was revealed at the illustrious Palazzo Delle Scintille in Milan, where attendees were greeted with a pristine white interior, setting a sophisticated atmosphere for Davis’ innovative designs.
Davis rendered Ferragamo a canvas of elegance with colors dominated by black, white, and green, hinting at minimalistic touches of red, a delicate nod to the house’s heritage. The runway buzzed with sleek suits, detailed with delicate waistlines and airy sleeves, portraying a graceful equilibrium between style and comfort. He also injected a dose of casual flair, pairing refined attire with relaxed, beach-ready footwear.
His use of deep green hues provided a refreshing dive into fashion’s untouched colors, bringing life to leather coats, pullovers, and cargo pants. Davis also played with silhouette and form, presenting figure-enhancing dresses and well-crafted linen workwear jackets that shimmered under the spotlight, further enriched with ornamental detailing for the eveningwear. The collection culminated with sheer, flowy pieces, showcasing refined structures and intricate, ruffled edges.
Davis has shown his adaptive and evolutionary approach to design, learning and evolving with each collection and making courageous changes to align Ferragamo with contemporary fashion cravings. This collection stands as his most compelling work for Ferragamo to date, displaying an interesting amalgamation of inspirations ranging from Italian marble and Arte Povera’s mixed materiality to sage green, Renaissance armor, and the art of Agostino Brunias.
These diverse inspirations were seamlessly woven into the collection, with exquisite beading reflecting the texture of marble on Ferragamo’s revamped 1956 Calipso sandal and metal hardware intertwined within necklines portraying Davis’s fascination with armor. Davis paid homage to Brunias’ art through loose, layered cotton pieces, mirroring the artist’s depiction of the freedom fighters of the 18th century.
Davis’s innovative approach allowed for a sophisticated blend of these intricate elements, resulting in a collection that is visually striking, yet layered with subtleties and details that warrant close attention. Ferragamo’s renowned craftsmanship was, as always, epitomized through its exquisite footwear, reflecting a blend of luxury and sleekness that is becoming synonymous with Davis’s evolving vision for the brand.
In reimagining Ferragamo, Maximilian Davis has created an exciting confluence of elegance, innovation, and tradition, making the fashion world eagerly anticipate what he will bring next to this revered Italian label.
