Since Paul Andrew took the reins at Ferragamo last October, one word has defined his design direction: progress. In February, he staged a combined menswear and womenswear show in Milan – a first for the luxury house – and now presents this chic co-ed campaign, shot by Harley Weir.
Set in the cypress-lined Italian countryside, it stars a diverse cast of characters: Stella Tennant, Shanelle Nyasiase, Rianne Van Rompaey, Xiao Wen Ju, Piero Mendez and Edoardo Sebastianelli. It was a deliberate decision, says Andrew, to “reflect the glorious multiplicity” of 2018. Imagine a debaucherous weekend away at a manor house, with guests hailing from every corner of the globe. The “Ferragaristrocracy” dress with style, spirit and an air of nonchalance – think high fashion, but never haughty.
“One of the original inspirations of the collection featured in this campaign was the Duchess of Devonshire – a formidable personification of old-school elegance and privilege. And her granddaughter [featured model] Stella inhabits that refreshed persona with an effortless grace,” says Andrew. “But in 2018 you don’t have to be to-the-manor-born to have a compelling and stylish manner about you. Curiosity, taste and a breadth of vision – not a narrowness – is what counts today.”
Rich colour and easy silhouettes define the range, which – in an ode to the house’s heritage – is built around shoes. Notably, Andrew began his career at Ferragamo as the design director of footwear, and this season he serves up mirror-heeled loafers, buttery soft calfskin boots (in ivy green, no less) and classic moccasins plucked from the archives.
The British designer is clearly committed to honouring the brand’s 103-year history, but he’s also delivering an injection of cool. After all, Ferragamo was once the go-to for old Hollywood’s brightest young things – Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe and Sophia Loren, to name a few. And today, under Andrew’s keen creative eye, the house is catering to a whole new generation.
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