Maximilian Davis Is Appointed Creative Director Of Salvatore Ferragamo

It’s not everyday that a young British designer ascends to the creative helm of a storied Italian fashion house, but London-based Maximillian Davis has done just that. Davis, who has just shown his final autumn/winter 2022 collection under the umbrella of London talent incubator Fashion East during London Fashion Week, has been announced as the new creative director of the heritage Florentine fashion brand, which was founded in 1927.

“I am deeply honoured to be joining @Ferragamo, and grateful for the opportunity to build on the rich and profound heritage of the house,” said Davis in an announcement post on Instagram this morning. “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.”

Manchester-born Davis, whose grandmother first taught him to use a sewing machine, launched his lauded men’s and womenswear label from his bedroom in Seven Sisters just two years ago, and his creations have since been worn by the likes of Rihanna, Dua Lipa and Kim Kardashian. Davis interweaves elements of his Trinidadian heritage – the liberated sartorial spirit of Carnival dressing, 19th century Caribbean equestrian-wear, the notion of Sunday Best – into his sublimely elegant, sensual and contemporary tailoring and eveningwear, which articulate an incredible attention to cut, drape and form. Davis, who worked for Grace Wales Bonner before launching his eponymous brand, and studied at the London College of Fashion, had been shortlisted as one of the 20 semi-finalists for this year’s LVMH Prize, but withdrew from the competition earlier this month.

The appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the Florentine label – one most renowned for its shoemaking history, and a progressive step for young Black creative representation within Italian fashion. The last person to hold the position at the brand was Paul Andrew. “The clarity of Maximilian Davis’s vision together with the level of execution and his powerful aesthetic make him one of the most brilliant talents of his generation,” said Marco Gobbetti, CEO of Salvatore Ferragamo in the brand’s announcement post on Instagram this morning. “His work is defined by elegance, refined sensuality, and his constant commitment to quality. Through his lens of contemporary sensibility, he will write a new, exciting chapter for this house, built on a heritage of creativity, craftsmanship, sophistication and outstanding human values.”

Davis will begin his creative directorship at Ferragamo on March 16 2022. We’re hoping he’s already working on Rihanna’s next viral maternity look.