Ferragamo's Fall/Winter 2023 presentation commenced on February 25, drawing back the curtain to unveil Maximilian Davis' second collection for the house. Appropriately titled "Cinema," FW23 was indeed a stylish spectacle to see.
Of course, Ferragamo's "cinema" naturally brought out the stars, with names like Uma Thurman, Kelela, Hunter Schafer, Evan Mock, Soyeon, and Jeno outfitted in the house's pieces and fixated in the front row.
For FW23, Davis continues to reimagine Old Hollywood through a modern lens, a guiding inspiration exemplified in past collections like pre-Fall 2023 and his debut SS23 offering.
I see a lot of the classic Hollywood spirit in Davis' work, honestly — disruptive, sensual, and even risqué. It just further proves his appointment was a perfect match for the house, which has deep ties to this age of film (and its costume departments).
So, what does old glam look like on Ferragamo today? FW23 answers with cinched waistlines joined by blown-up sleeves. Bomber jackets and parkas are now dresses with voluminous skirts. The era's plunging necklines, as seen by Ferragamo darling Marilyn Monroe, translated on patent leather dresses.
On the other hand, David places the more modest, high necklines on the mini dresses and sweaters paired with super short shorts (almost undie-worthy). Slices of red play peek-a-boo on stealthy ensembles, while fur coats are dramatic in vibrant shades and animal prints.
Wrapped metallic dresses join glamorous dresses finished with silky drapes, nodding to the shimmer and shine of the old Hollywood gowns — and inviting scarfs to once again swaddle today's red carpet guests.
Handbags are bold and massive, ranging from huge carryalls to new Wanda bags to bright red clutches nestled under models' arms.
On the flip side, Ferragamo's FW23 footwear is sleek and understated, rendered in monochrome palettes and classic or patent leather constructions.
Interestingly though, a foam-like slide sandal caught my eye — as seen with the collection's tracksuit 'fit — indicating that Ferragamo is next up to enter the foam shoe game.
Given the popularity of foam footwear and the designer praised by Rihanna involved, Ferragamo's FW23 slip-ons have all the makings to be the house's next it piece.
What can I say? Davis didn't miss. Ferragamo FW23 is peak stylish cinema.
