Flared silhouettes, feathers emerging from the monochrome. In this new collection, Maximilian Davis explores the connection between Ferragamo and the world of ballet, celebrating its expressive elegance and finding new symmetries between his personal story and the brand’s heritage. The roots of this season lie in dance, inspired by iconic memories such as an intimate moment between Salvatore Ferragamo and the ballerina and anthropologist Katherine Dunham, but also by Rudolf Nureyev, a revolutionary dancer who embodies the liberated sensuality of the 1980s. It is no coincidence that the collection draws from these memories, distilling the essence of expressive freedom through the wardrobe: the essence of movement is manifested in amplified silhouettes and in a refined classicism, as seen in the airy trench coats and parachute dresses in silk nylon, suede, and organza, which evoke the effortless aesthetic of ballet. The visual vocabulary of Ferragamo merges the ballet spirit of various decades, and dance costumes inspire form-fitting pieces in cashmere and cotton, layered and wrapped like classic ballerina cardigans. Nureyev’s technical wardrobe from the 1980s, made of tracksuits and oversized tailored cuts, influences the more modern details of the collection, while Dunham’s mid-century sophistication is translated into sequins reinterpreted in a modern key with resin finishes. Davis does not limit himself to ballet but also infuses the collection with the vibrant energy of the Caribbean, paying homage to Dunham’s legacy and her ethnographic research. In the collection, every garment and accessory tells a story that weaves past and present, also thanks to the 15,000 shoe designs in the Ferragamo archive, each created for a specific reason and full of meaning.
“I have always incorporated different historical eras into my work—eras in which I can see myself and my heritage. I looked for similarities with Ferragamo, and the beauty of this brand is that there are so many different stories to relate to”.
Fringed and stone-washed denim, rubber moccasins, and organic shapes contrast with natural finishes, blending romanticism with a bold audacity. The asymmetric lines of the garments add a touch of modernity, while the exuberant fringes accentuate skirts and bags, offering the audience the visual pleasure of a dynamic texture. Shorts, tops, tank tops, leggings, leg warmers, and small cardigans follow one another. The expressions of Ferragamo’s codes are discreet but omnipresent: artisanal leather, a central element of the Maison, takes center stage in pieces like the Gancini mesh leather skirt and accessories such as bags and shoes. Among the footwear, the evolution of the Eva curved-heel pumps and a new graphic sandal stand out with matte silk laces that delicately wrap around the ankle, reflecting the ballet inspiration of the collection in a modern and minimalist key. Finally, jacquard fabric mules decorated with fringes and geometric booties pay homage to archival models from the 1940s, renewed for a contemporary audience. Even in accessories, the attention to detail and the reinterpretation of the Maison’s codes emerge strongly: the soft silhouette of a leather bag, which gently folds onto itself and is closed by a metal Gancini clasp, adds a sophisticated touch. The iconic Hug Bag evolves with a single handle and a delicate structure, also available in a clutch version, while the Foulard bag draws inspiration from the draping of scarves, with the hobo characterized by a chain that defines its design. Through this collection, Davis masterfully blends past and present, creating a visual narrative that celebrates Ferragamo’s heritage and its connection to the art of movement, while projecting into the future with a contemporary sensibility and, as a result, vibrancy.
