In Ferragamo’s latest collection, creative director Maximilian Davis blends the house’s luxurious attitude of craftsmanship with his own contemporary minimalistic take, while still staying true to the founder’s innovative vision
Whenever the name Ferragamo comes to mind, it’s probably easy to imagine the glitz of Hollywood and the glamor of screen sirens. Perhaps it is because the Italian designer and founder, Mr. Salvatore Ferragamo, created some of the most iconic pairs ever featured in film, earning him the moniker “shoemaker to the stars”.
From Gloria Swanson’s black calfskin pumps in Sadie Thompson (1928) to Marilyn Monroe’s red bejeweled stilettos in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) to Cecil DeMille’s sandals in The Ten Commandments (1956), Ferragamo rose to greater heights as much as the old cinema did.
Since then, Ferragamo has grown into a complete and consolidated fashion house boasting apparel, bags, accessories, and the like. Fast forward to 2023 and the Maison turns full circle with Maximilian Davis, along with his contemporary vision on the brand’s nearly a hundred years of history. “I wanted to pay tribute to Salvatore’s start by bringing in the culture of Hollywood—but new Hollywood,” explains the British designer. “Its ease and sensuality; its sunset and sunrise.”
Such underscoring ethos was felt by those who’ve seen the collection, wearing ethereal sheers, silks, and organzas. The accessories—of which Wanda bag and Elina sandal are the standout pieces—blended perfectly in harmony.
A memoir
First introduced in 1988 in honor of Salvatore’s wife, Wanda Ferragamo, the bag was reinterpreted by Maximilian in new sleek proportions: a horizontal model that looks like a clutch, a vertical square shape, and a mini version. “I want each piece to feel playful, but also desirable as an object,” the creative director says. “[I want it] to stand on its own.”
The Wanda bag comes in optical white, in black, and in brushed leather with orange and red degradé inspired by the warm shades of a summer sundown. A more luxurious iteration for the evening is made entirely in red or black rhinestones.
A heritage
Sculpted on the new Elina sandal’s heel is the iconic Gancini emblem that resembles the Greek letter omega. This reworking of the Maison’s brand style code has generated geometric profiles that breathe fresh life into the distinctive features of the Ferragamo DNA.
Now, not only does the Elina caress the foot and highlight its sensuality, but its linear precision translated by Maximilian guarantees maximum support for the heel. The pair comes in two different versions: black nappa with galvanized gold heel in a matte finish; and black, red, skyblue, and yellow nappa suede with same-color heel.
In the Philippines, Ferragamo is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc., and is located at Greenbelt 4, Rustan’s Shangri-La, and Rustan’s Makati. Ferragamo is also available online via Trunc and Rustans. For more information, visit SSI Life’s website or follow them on Instagram.
