Saturday, September 26, 2026

Latex! Belts! Sequins! Maximilian Davis Sets the Tone for Spring 2027 With His Ferragamo Collection

Maximilian Davis stepped into the creative director role at Ferragamo in 2022, at just 26, bringing a distinct perspective to the Italian luxury fashion house. Since then, he has turned the brand's archive into something modern, sensual, slightly rebellious, and definitely relevant. His most recent collection, which he presented during Milan Fashion Week, may be his most assured expression of that instinct yet.

For spring/summer 2027, Davis continued to explore stories of liberation, this time looking specifically to the women of the 1940s. "I was inspired by the women of the era who were taking ownership of their own narrative: who were subjects of imagery but also traveled the world to create their own," Davis says in the press release. "[During this time] clothing, and its structure, created a certain posture and propriety."

He considered everything, from pocket placement to women's fearlessness, shown through the patina of sun-faded leathers, natural fabrications, and prints that echo the topography of terrain. That sense of intentionality came through in other areas, too. Davis played with belts, using them as decorative, waist-defining accessories rather than for their functional necessities, while translucent rubber, closely resembling latex, appeared throughout trench coats, minidresses, pencil skirts, and cropped jackets. Elsewhere, drapery central to Davis's approach to scarf dressing offered a fluid counterpoint to the structured shapes (think strong shoulders, defined waists and firm fabrics) of the '40s.

The 63-piece collection turned up the glamour for the Italian fashion house. There was sensuality, but never a sense of trying too hard. The result was clothing for women who know exactly how they want to be seen and, more importantly, how they want to define themselves.

That idea of defining oneself feels particularly fitting for Davis, too. He may not have entered Ferragamo with the name recognition of fashion's biggest players, but since arriving, he has steadily asserted his own point of view, reshaping the house's identity. In many ways, he has done what the women at the center of his spring 2027 collection did: taken ownership and made it their own. Four years into the job, Davis has used Ferragamo's history as a foundation while establishing his own voice and helping the house stay relevant to a new generation. It's safe to say Ferragamo is in good hands with Davis. Keep scrolling to read all about the spring/summer 2027 collection.

Latexification of Luxury

One thing about Davis is that he's not afraid to experiment. This season, he pushed the boundaries of modern tailoring and style by integrating unique fabrics and finishes, most notably latex. He not only elevated the rubber material, making it look luxurious and redefining how we see it in fashion, but also executed this bold choice with the utmost elegance. How did he achieve this balance? By grounding the fabrication in classic silhouettes. Davis took simple minidresses, trench coats, pencil skirts, and fitted jackets and rendered them in shades of brown, olive, and muted blue. The translucent material gave off a glossy, wet look while clinging to the body in a tasteful and sculpted way.

a model wears latex while walking the ferragamo spring 2027 runway.

(Image credit: Ferragamo)

a model wears latex while walking the ferragamo spring 2027 runway.

(Image credit: Ferragamo)

a model wears latex while walking the ferragamo spring 2027 runway.

(Image credit: Ferragamo)

a model wears latex while walking the ferragamo spring 2027 runway.

(Image credit: Ferragamo)

Decorative Belting

For his spring/summer 2027 collection, Davis stripped the belt of its utilitarian function and reimagined it as a purely decorative, waist-defining accessory. Rendered in everything from simple black to rich brown leather, the belts became integral to the garments themselves. They were threaded through oversized belt loops on skirts and dresses and wrapped across the chest of thin-strapped dresses. In some looks, two belts were stacked together and threaded through the upper waist of suede and leather dresses.

a model walks the ferragamo spring 2027 runway.

(Image credit: Ferragamo)

a model walks the ferragamo spring 2027 runway.

(Image credit: Ferragamo)

a model walks the ferragamo spring 2027 runway.

(Image credit: Ferragamo)

a model walks the ferragamo spring 2027 runway.

(Image credit: Ferragamo)

Curved-Heel Stilettos

Davis doesn't come to play when it comes to accessories. If you had a chance to take a close look at the collection, you may have noticed Art Deco-inflected jewelry like sculptural drop earrings and cuff bracelets as well as beautiful bags—more on that in a little. But what I want to call out is the footwear, specifically the sculptural heels. Davis drew inspiration from Salvatore Ferragamo's F Wedges from 1947 and reinterpreted them as sleek, pointed-toe slingbacks—and modern wedges. Some featured a bow embellishment resembling the iconic Vara Bow shoes, while others were adorned with the same jewelry as the earrings or a simple yet elegant croc-effect leather strappy upper. All featured a polished, curved heel that reinforces the desirable, sensual appeal Davis has cultivated for the brand.

an image of a curved-heel stiletto.

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

an image of a curved-heel stiletto.

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

an image of a curved-heel stiletto.

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

an image of a curved-heel stiletto.

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

Close-to-the-Body Bags

Let's discuss the bags. The highlight was the new Cara bag, which debuted on the fall 2026 runway and has since been carried by celebrities including Bella Hadid, Emma Roberts, and Monica Barbaro. In the spring collection, the bag retained its distinctive accordion style and iconic Gancini closure, crafted in seasonal leather and suede. The beloved Hug Bag also appeared in an oversized clutch design in classic black, muted green, or rich burgundy leather, as well as in an east-west shape with a new crinkled double silk fabric. Whether or not the bags had straps, they were all worn as clutches and kept in constant contact with the body—held close as if safeguarding something valuable.

a woman carries a clutch bag at the ferragamo spring 2027 show.

(Image credit: Ferragamo)

a woman carries a clutch bag at the ferragamo spring 2027 show.

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

a woman carries a clutch bag at the ferragamo spring 2027 show.

(Image credit: Ferragamo)

a woman carries a clutch bag at the ferragamo spring 2027 show.

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

Nocturnal Elegance

While the entire collection highlighted the Ferragamo girl's unapologetic, sensual persona, the second half emphasized it with numerous occasion dresses. Some models wore tulle gowns that draped elegantly across the body, while others wore dense black sequin dresses that formed a lustrous, almost liquid surface and reflected light vividly. High necklines, off-the-shoulder designs, cape-like sleeves, and transparent panels that subtly flashed skin enhanced the confident and polished presence of Davis's muses.

a model walks the ferragamo spring 2027 runway.

(Image credit: Ferragamo)

a model walks the ferragamo spring 2027 runway.

(Image credit: Ferragamo)

a model walks the ferragamo spring 2027 runway.

(Image credit: Ferragamo)

a model walks the ferragamo spring 2027 runway.

(Image credit: Ferragamo)


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Cool, Specific, and Already Bubbling Up: The 6 Micro-Trends That Will Define Fall 2026

I can usually tell when a trend is about to have a moment. It starts quietly: a detail I keep spotting in runway collections, a styling trick that shows up everywhere, a very specific item making its way from fashion people's wardrobes to my Saved folder. And then seemingly overnight, it's the thing I can't stop thinking about.

That's exactly where we are with fall 2026. The big-picture trends may already be on your radar, but I'm much more interested in the smaller, more specific shifts bubbling underneath—the ones that feel fresh now and, if the fashion crowd is any indication, are about to become impossible to ignore. They're not necessarily the loudest trends in the room. They're the details that make an outfit feel in-the-know and incredibly current.

Consider this your early intel and your excuse to get a little ahead of the curve. Scroll on to see the six fall micro-trends about to be everywhere and shop the pieces I'm eyeing.

Statement-Buckle Belts

Dior oversize belt buckle, a big fall 2026 micro-trend.

(Image credit: Launchmetrics/Spotlight)

The belt is having a very specific comeback: bigger, bolder, and impossible to miss. Think sculptural circular buckles, polished hardware, and waist-defining styling we're seeing at Dior, Celine, and Ralph Lauren. Worn over denim, tailoring, or even a simple knit, this is the accessory that can make an entire outfit feel intentional.

Royal Purple

Who What Wear editor wearing a royal purple sweater, a big fall 2026 micro-trend.

(Image credit: @bobbyschuessler)

Purple is taking a decidedly richer turn for fall. I'm talking about deep, regal shades that feel less playful and much more luxurious—somewhere between aubergine and amethyst. The color works beautifully as a statement piece, but I'm especially into the idea of wearing it from head to toe or pairing it with equally saturated shades like tomato red and sky blue for maximum impact.

Cummerbunds

Conner Ives model wearing a cummerbund, a big fall 2026 micro-trend.

(Image credit: Launchmetrics/Spotlight)

If there's one styling trick that feels particularly relevant, it's the cummerbund. Once reserved for formalwear, the waist-cinching layer is suddenly showing up in much more fashion-forward ways, adding structure and a slightly dramatic flourish to everything from trousers to dresses.

Wayfarer Sunglasses

Editor wearing Wayfarer sunglasses, a big fall 2026 micro-trend.

(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

After seasons of oversize bug-eyed frames and ultra-tiny sunglasses, the pendulum is landing somewhere in the middle. Classic Wayfarer shapes are back with proportions that feel polished rather than exaggerated. They have that effortless, slightly retro quality I always want from sunglasses.

Eel Leather

A woman wearing black leather eel shoes, a big fall 2026 micro-trend.

(Image credit: @iliridakraniqi)

There's a new texture making leather feel considerably more interesting. Eel leather—or, more specifically, that distinctive slinky, ridged finish—is bringing a subtle sheen and tactile quality to bags, shoes, and accessories. It feels luxe without being overly precious, and it's exactly the kind of under-the-radar detail that makes a familiar piece feel surprisingly fresh.

Opulent Embroidery

Conner Ives model wearing an embroidered jacket, a big fall 2026 micro-trend.

(Image credit: Launchmetrics/Spotlight)

Minimalism can take a seat. This season, I'm noticing a return to embroidery that feels lavish, intricate, and almost fantastical. Think richly decorated pieces, ornate motifs, and the elaborate detailing seen on Conner Ives's embroidered fur robes that went viral 10 times over during the label's fall/winter 2026 show. The appeal is in the excess: These are pieces designed to be admired up close and remembered.



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