Maximilian Davis is leading Ferragamo into the future, drawing on his Caribbean heritage, the energy of London’s club scene, and a fresh perspective on modern luxury. As part of our ‘The Visionary‘ series, we highlight influential voices shaping fashion trends and discussions—this week, we turn our attention to Maximilian Davis, Ferragamo’s creative director who is pushing boundaries in luxury fashion.
The Journey to Ferragamo
Before stepping into the spotlight as Ferragamo’s creative director in 2022, Davis made waves with his eponymous label, Maximilian. His design ethos—a mix of impeccable tailoring, sensuality, and ease—quickly attracted a following that included heavyweights like Rihanna and Dua Lipa. It was the Italian house of Ferragamo, under new CEO Marco Gobbetti, that came calling in early 2022, seeing in Davis the potential to breathe new life into a brand rich in heritage yet eager for reinvention.
Roots and Inspiration
Raised in Manchester by Trinidadian-Jamaican parents, Davis’s connection to fashion runs deep. His grandmother taught him to sew at age six, and his mother and sisters, both models and fashion lovers, were his first style icons. By the time Davis moved to London to study at the London College of Fashion, he was already charting his own course in design, inspired by the vibrant club culture around him. London club nights like PDA weren’t just places to dance—they were incubators for creativity, where emerging trends came alive. It was there that Davis began assembling his creative tribe, a group that still supports him to this day.
Building the Maximilian Brand
During his early years, Davis worked as a junior designer for Grace Wales Bonner and later at Dover Street Market, where he learned to incorporate diverse cultural references into his designs. In 2020, amidst the uncertainty of the pandemic, Davis launched his own label, Maximilian, under the mentorship of Fashion East, a British incubator for emerging designers. This period was pivotal—it allowed him to define his aesthetic, focusing on sharp tailoring and an elegant yet rebellious approach that drew from his Caribbean heritage and experiences in London’s vibrant club scene. Strong connections with other creatives, such as stylist Ib Kamara and photographer Rafael Pavarotti, helped shape his unique vision.
The Ferragamo Era
Since taking over at Ferragamo, Davis has focused on balancing tradition with innovation. His collections pull from the archives while also reimagining them for today’s world—what he calls a marriage of “elegance and ease.” His debut Spring 2023 collection set the tone: shimmering crystal embellishments, sheer goddess dresses, and that now-signature Ferragamo red, a shade painstakingly developed to evoke both his Caribbean roots and the house’s history. For Fall 2023, Davis nodded to the glamour of Ferragamo’s Hollywood past—the era when Salvatore Ferragamo himself was dressing the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn—with exquisite tailoring and voluminous outerwear that felt bold yet timeless.
One of Davis’s key goals at Ferragamo is to make the brand feel more relatable. He wants Ferragamo’s luxury to be something people can see themselves in—a blend of sophistication that remains accessible and wearable for today’s audience. His vision is to create a Ferragamo that appeals to both long-standing customers and a new generation of fashion enthusiasts, bridging the gap between heritage and modernity.
Shaping Culture Through Fashion
Davis’s approach to Ferragamo is not just about the clothes but also about the culture he’s shaping. His muses include his friends from the London scene as well as Hollywood stars like Michaela Coel and Paloma Elsesser, who have become champions of his vision. When Beyoncé took the stage in a custom Ferragamo gown for her Renaissance World Tour, it showcased Davis’s ability to capture both the grandeur and intimacy of luxury, making it relevant for today’s audience.
Looking Forward
Maximilian Davis’s journey from Manchester to Ferragamo is a reflection of his vision, talent, and determination. By drawing on his roots, his creative community, and his fresh approach to luxury, Davis is reimagining Ferragamo for a new era. He is transforming the brand into something that feels relevant and forward-thinking while respecting its storied history. As Ferragamo steps into the future under Davis’s leadership, it’s clear that the brand’s best days are not just behind it—they’re ahead, filled with innovation, inclusivity, and a modern take on timeless elegance.
