In his latest collection for Autumn-Winter 2024, designer Maximilian Davis presents a modern reinterpretation of the elegance and rebellion of the 1920s. Through relaxed cuts, fluid fabrics, and iconic details, Davis captures the essence of the emancipation era, bringing a breath of fresh air to contemporary fashion. “My goal is to celebrate freedom through my clothes,” explains Davis, whose work reflects a unique fusion of historical heritage and modern innovation. His collaboration with Ferragamo has been influenced by the rebellious spirit of that era, embodied by figures like Joan Crawford and Greta Garbo. Thus, the collection features a series of pieces that skillfully blend masculine and feminine elements, with short hems, emphasized shoulders, and luxurious fabrics that evoke a sense of protection and bold femininity. The enveloping capes, inspired by the Ferragamo archive, transform into layers of protection while sartorial forms open up to sleek and sculptural lapels, creating a surreal and modern aesthetic. Inspiration drawn from fishermen’s uniforms and utilitarian clothing adds a touch of pragmatism to the collection, with thigh-high boots and leather jackets contrasting with the lightness of drapery and the softness of mixed cashmere fabrics.
“Negli anni venti, in risposta al mondo che le circondava, le persone creavano i propri spazi nei luoghi clandestini.Nascondevano ciò che indossavano finché non si sentivano al sicuro.”
Footwear, both for men and women, reflects the same balance between tradition and modernity, with details such as monk-strap buckles and experimental shapes adding a contemporary touch to vintage silhouettes. The shapes that the designer brings to life through repetition are sensitive and bold, like the latex nappa and Iak gaucho detail, materials that recall Davis’s aesthetic imprint by resorting to the mastery of Ferragamo’s ateliers. Everything is designed to ensure comfort and practicality, as accessories, including the famous Ferragamo Hug Bag, are adorned with artisanal details that recall the craftsmanship of the past, such as hand-applied leather sequins and graduated shades reminiscent of a mermaid’s scales. Ultimately, Maximilian Davis’s collection for Autumn-Winter 2024 embodies the essence of the twenties with a modern and bold vision, celebrating the elegance and rebellion of a bygone era while looking to the future with innovation and creativity.
With this recipe made of a balance between simplicity and modernity, between conceptual and commercial, Davis has created a desirable collection, rich in garments and accessories to wear, yet he has done so while maintaining a certain magic in the narrative. Ferragamo’s SS24 show is an act of humility and also a lesson to look back at the product’s history, to look forward. Davis’s approach in combining traditional elements with modern shapes and details, thus creating a collection that is both elegant, innovative, and conveying a strong message of freedom and individuality. The Ferragamo SS24 show was a triumph of creativity and craftsmanship, confirming Maximilian Davis’s role as an incredible creative.