MAXIMILIAN

The 25-year-old Manchester-born designer presented his debut collection last September as part of the Fashion East talent incubator.

Maximillian Davis graduated from London College of Fashion in 2017 and worked with Grace Wales Bonner designing tailoring, commercial and knitwear pieces. His time at Wales Bonner helped him understand how to harness his identity to create a vocal brand.

Built from his bedroom and in the middle of a pandemic, Davis’ brand is rooted in his Trinidadian family heritage, and explores the history of Carnival from the 19^th century. In Trinidad and Tobago, enslaved people were forced to perform for their slavers each year, until they got their emancipation in 1834 and reclaimed the event, turning it into a celebration of freedom and liberation.

Davis captured the spirit of Carnival through his tailoring techniques and his contemporary pieces. With a floor-sweeping gown with a cut-out back, slashed suede dresses and miniskirts, Davis creates structural yet sensual garments, allowing women to show their bodies without being objectified. His tailored trousers made from bonded crepe and other easier to wear pieces capture the carefree attitude of Carnival.

Styled by Ibrahim Kamara and captured by Rafael Pavarotti, the collection embodies the essence of Black elegance and celebrates Caribbean ease.

Maximilian Davis is part of the undercurrent of fresh British talent that is leading the change in the fashion industry. His SS21 collection released at a time where Black representation in media was at an all-time high, and stood out by introducing his unique perspective.