KHADS ARK MAGAZINE
Preserving art to outlive us
Maximilian Davis: Revitalising Ferragamo.
by Zhakiya
Young Black British designer Maximilian Davis became the talk of Milan Fashion Week 2023 as he showcased his Ready-to-Wear collection for Fall/Winter 2023. Not every day does a young designer get the chance to creative direct for a luxury house, but Davis proved he is more than deserving of the post. His second collection with the brand combines the Old Hollywood glamour of the 1950s and retrofuturism, allowing us as an audience to view the past through a futuristic lens. Hardware, silhouettes and materials all fuse to create a collection of wearable and stylish subtle opulence. Davis has truly rejuvenated Ferragamo by playing to its strengths with a modern twist.
Who is Maximilian Davis?
Before anything, you must know who is the man behind it all. Maximilian Davis is a Trinidadian-Jamaican designer from Manchester who was quite literally born to be on the path he is today. His family lives and breathes fashion, with his mother and sister having a background in modelling, his father having studied fashion design and his grandmother giving him his first sewing lessons at the age of 6. He went on to graduate from the London College of Fashion where we worked with Grace Wales Bonner and then launched his own self-entitled label “Maximilian” in 2020. Davis describes his design style as ‘Black elegance’ which bears odes to opulent and luxurious evening gowns, striking silhouettes and cashmere coats. These are the looks that projected him into the role of creative director at Ferragamo.
Favourite Looks
The show is staged with a circular roundabout runway which pairs perfectly with the use of curved lines in the designs. The attention to detail cannot go unnoticed, as it is the very thing that transforms refined minimalist looks into such a chic and desirable collection. Davis uses remarkable tailoring to create arresting illusions from fabric wrapping around the body of models to structured looks that you cannot stop staring at. What I appreciate the most about this collection is that it is indeed ‘Ready-to-Wear’. Davis cleverly caters to Ferragamo’s older loyal clientele whilst bringing a new energy that also appeals to a younger fresher audience. It’s timeless, innovative, chic and wearable all the way from casual to dressy.When it came to shortlisting my favourite pieces it proved nearly impossible but here they are:
The epitome of Old Hollywood glam meets the future. The jumper has a nostalgic yet timeless feel, a piece an actress from the '50s would gladly wear. Davis' choice to combine this with the recent trend of briefs over tights is perfection, paired with a structured and pointy shoe which Ferragamo is known for due to it's shoe-making background.
Illusions, illusions, illusions! I love the effect of the clothes wrapping around the models' bodies, it adds an elegant touch to such bold, daring colours and fabrics. They become more palatable and wearable, something you can actually envision off the runway.
Dimension. The addition of a simple curve can transform such a simple look into something so special. Davis again uses structure to his advantage with striking lines on both the top and bag. Navy and gold marry together to create a look of luxury, undeniably subtle but still mesmerising.
I love this simply because it marks Davis' presence as the creative director of Ferragamo. It's young, modern and speaks to a newer audience the brand hasn't seen before.
The composition of these outfits is incredible. It consists of pieces you can wear individually and style endlessly. Davis plays with a range of colour palettes and materials again making them effortlessly wearable for the everyday person. Knee high boots on male models is such a chic touch, again showing that minor changes and details can take a look to another level.
A monochromatic look will never die. The matching necklace and hardware on the bag. The curve of the neckline. The crop of the sleeves. Need I say more?