Maximilian Davis delivers a collection that channels the rebellious energy of the 1920s.
Summary
- Maximilian Davis revisits the 1920s, the decade of Ferragamo’s inception, delivering a Spring 2026 collection defined by liberated silhouettes and Jazz Age energy.
- The collection thoughtfully explores the complex cultural dialogue of the “Africana” movement, translating historical influences from Africa and the Caribbean into modern luxury textiles.
- Silhouettes emphasize a redefined femininity and rebellious elegance, drawing inspiration from speakeasy culture and the expressive dandyism of the Harlem Renaissance.
Maximilian Davis continues his confident revitalization of Ferragamo by turning the clock back exactly one century. For Spring/Summer 2026, Davis delves into the 1920s, an era that not only defined modern fashion but also saw the birth of the Ferragamo house itself. This is not, however, a mere historical re-enactment. Instead, Davis filters the Jazz Age’s revolutionary energy and eclectic style through his signature lens of elegance. The collection captures the energy of a time when fashion became a tool for rebellion and self-definition.
The starting point for this exploration was a striking archival image from 1925: silecnt film star Lola Todd draped entirely in leopard. This started an investigation into the “Africana” movement, examining how textiles and motifs imported from Africa and the Caribbean were adopted as symbols of exotic luxury in the West. Davis navigates this complex history reinterpreting these influences into silk satin devoré animal prints and tactile fringed embellishments.
The core of the collection resides in its liberated silhouettes. Davis captures the essence of 1920s femininity. This translates into straight-cut slip dresses featuring delicate lace cut-outs that seem ready for a night in a clandestine club, possessing the smoky allure of a dimly lit speakeasy. Gowns are characterized by dropped waists and daringly low backs. The movement of these garments is effortless, celebrating a femininity defined by confidence.
Menswear draws vibrant inspiration from the Harlem Renaissance. The expressive, louche dandyism of the era is evident in the tailoring, evoking the swagger of zoot suits but refined for the modern Ferragamo man.
The graphic clarity of 1920s illustration also informs the collection’s visual language. Color-blocking and sharp lines appear in saturated patent leathers secured with Gancini hardware and realized in fine-gauge knits.
In accessories, the beloved Hug bag is refreshed in high-shine patent, intricate woven leathers, and stamped croc. An elegant wrist bag, resurrected from the archives, provides a perfect evening option, while feathers add an explosive textural element, fringing the edges of the Soft bag. With Spring 2026, Maximilian Davis successfully honors the origins of Ferragamo while simultaneously asserting his own vision, delivering a wardrobe that is as intellectual as it is exquisitely crafted.
