Maximilian Davis will become Salvatore Ferragamo‘s newest creative director. News broke early this week that the 26-year-old Manchester-born designer will begin his new role on March 16. Just last April, Paul Andrew departed from the same title. But appointing Davis as creative director, is one of the brand’s biggest moves under new chief executive, Marco Gobbetti.
Before joining the Ferragamo team in December 2021, Gobetti was chief executive for rival brand, Burberry. His reason for leaving the brand was so he could return to his home in Italy and be closer to family. Gobetti has worked for major brands such as Bottega, Valextra, and Moschino. He was also CEO of Givenchy in 2004 and Chairman of Celine. So clearly Ferragamo has been looking for a rebrand, and Gobetti is taking full control. Only a week ago during an interview, Gobetti was hinting at Ferragamo having “enormous potential”. He further stated that “If I had to single out one priority, it’s overall growth. We need to give new energy to fuel it.” Could Davis had been the potential he was referring to?
Maximilian’s Roots
Even though Davis is a fairly young designer, his resume is quite impressive. As a graduate of the London College of Fashion, Maximilian Davis launched his own self-titled brand, Maximilian, back in 2020. The look of the brand is inspired by his Trinidadian and Jamaican background, with the representation of sex appeal and fancy West Indies style. You can find his pieces on Ssense, Farfetch, and End Clothing. Some were even worn by Rihanna (which is an accomplishment within itself). Before debuting his own brand at Fashion East SS21, Davis worked as a junior designer under Grace Wales Bonner. He also has worked for brands Mowalola, Asai, and Supriya Lele.
This has been quite the year for Davis who was also one of the 20 semifinalists for this year’s LVMH Prize for Young Designers (before he quietly dropped out last week). Our guess as to why? Probably to take his crown as Ferragamo’s creative director. With so much talent and a keen eye for fashion, it comes as no surprise that a lot of his inspiration for fashion comes from his late grandmother. With his father’s Jamaican roots and his mother’s Trinidadian background, a lot of his culture and the music he listens to is reflected in his pieces.
Davis’s pieces mean more than just fashion to him. They come with a message. It’s safe to say that a good deal of his fashion background and industry knowledge will make him a great fit for his new role as creative director. Marco Gobetti stated, “The clarity of his vision together with the level of execution and his powerful aesthetic make him one of the most brilliant talents of his generation.”
Ferragamo’s Future
With two heavy hitters already on the brand’s team, Ferragamo will probably have the girls spending all their coin. It’s going to be so captivating and fun to see what Davis is going to create for Ferragamo. What’s most exciting about this news; is the history being made by taking this Italian-based brand in a more diverse direction. As a young black designer, Davis seems pretty excited and blessed to be taking on such a huge position. In an Instagram post, Davis said,
“I am deeply honored to be joining Ferragamo and grateful for the opportunity to build on the rich and profound heritage of the house. Ferragamo represents a dedication to timeless elegance and sophistication that I find incredibly inspiring. I’m looking forward to articulating my vision, elevated by the codes of Italian craftsmanship, quality and innovation.”
With the transition into his new role, Davis will be putting his brand on hold for now. But with his vision being represented in Ferragamo, we will still get our fair share of his talent. Congratulations on this milestone Maximilian!
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