Yanki Chu tells you the ten essential insights about Maximilian Davis
Maximilian Davis, born in Manchester England, grew up in a close-knit Trinidadian-Jamaican family. His rise to acclaim in the fashion industry is marked by refined tailoring and a deeply sensual design aesthetic, often influenced by the vibrant colours of carnival and his Trinidadian heritage.
1. Family Roots
Davis was immersed in fashion from a young age, with a father who studied fashion design, and a mother and sister who worked as models. Surrounded by creative influences, he drew inspiration from his grandmother’s “summer best,” a collection of garments that shaped his early vision.
2. A Young Designer’s Journey
At just six years old, Davis learned to use a sewing machine from his grandmother, sparking his passion for creating unique clothing. By high school, he was already apprenticing with the tailor who dressed his mother, laying the groundwork for his future.
3. Diverse experience
He was graduated in 2017 then worked as a junior designer with menswear designer Grace Wales Bonner. In 2020, he launched his own label, Maximilian, which quickly gained recognition for its unique design aesthetic.
4. A New Chapter at Ferragamo
At the age of 27, Davis was appointed as the creative Director of Salvatore Ferragamo, marking a significant milestone for the brand and making him of the few Black executives in the fashion industry who aims to infuse new energy into the storied label.
5. Distinct Design style
Davis’s collections are characterized by sharp tailoring, bold silhouettes, and richly textured fabrics, all rendered with an elegant sensuality. His sleek leather dresses, exquisite suiting and luxurious jersey bodysuits celebrate “Black Elegance”, showcasing the power of cultural identity through fashion.
6. Own Label – Maximilian
His own label launched in 2020, focuses on revitalizing the Salvatore Ferragamo brand. It quickly garnered attention from celebrities, which further solidifying his place in the luxury market.
7. Support from Fashion east
Fashion East, a London initiative that nurtures emerging designers, has played a pivotal role in Davis’s career. With support from notable figures like Kim Jones, Wales Bonner and Simone Rocha, his talent began to attract the attention of stars and singers.
8. Celebrity Collaborations
Davis has dressed high-profile celebrities such as Rihanna, Kim Kardashian and Dua Lipa for magazine shoots and red carpet appearance. His Gobbetti collection has generated significant buzz within the fashion community.
9. Recognition
In 2023, Davis was awarded British Womenswear Designer of the Year for his work at Ferragamo. He was also a finalist for the LVMH Prize for Young Designers but chose to focus on his role at Ferragamo.
10. Pioneering Innovation
Davis is committed to exploring new creative horizons at Ferragamo, including the reinvention of traditional designs. One notable innovation is his updated platform shoe, reminiscent of the Chopine from 17th-century Venice, utilizing cork to support high heels—a testament to innovation at the core of the brand.
Also see: 10 things about Chanel’s Matthieu Blazy
