Milan: Max Mara’s Triple Play – A Recap of a Busy 24 Hours
Max Mara made a powerful statement in Milan with a whirlwind 24 hours of fashion showcases. The Italian luxury brand treated attendees to a trio of collections, each with its own unique style and inspiration. From their latest signature collection to a collaboration with renowned architects and a fresh Weekend collection, Max Mara proved once again why they are a force to be reckoned with in the fashion industry.
The highlight of the event was undoubtedly Max Mara’s signature collection, helmed by designer Ian Griffiths. Drawing inspiration from the works of architect and textile designer Sophie Taeuber-Arp, the Fall/Winter 2022 collection was a testament to Griffiths’ creative vision. Taeuber-Arp’s avant-garde creations at Zurich’s Cabaret Voltaire served as the muse for this collection, resulting in a stunning display of volume and unconventional fabric combinations. The harmonious autumnal color palette added a touch of elegance to the overall aesthetic.
Adding star power to the event were none other than supermodels Bella and Gigi Hadid. Bella wowed the audience with her putty brown ensemble, featuring a cocoon skirt, sleek knit top, and a shearling fanny pack. The impeccable proportions and feminine details of the outfit resonated with the audience. Unique footwear choices, such as all-wool boots and brothel-keeper shoes, further elevated the looks presented on the runway. Ribbed cashmere roll necks, wide roll-up pants, padded minis, and floor-sweeping coats showcased the versatility of the collection, making it a must-have for the upcoming winter season. Notably, the balaclava trend, a major hit in Europe, made an appearance in the form of woolly knits and head-wrapping cowls.
Prior to the show, Max Mara unveiled their collaboration with Efisio Marras for Max & Co. The collection, titled ‘Pony Kids’, drew inspiration from Perry Ogden’s iconic black and white photo album capturing the lives of urban teenagers and Irish travelers who kept horses in their back gardens in Dublin. Marras perfectly captured the essence of youth and created a collection that exuded both coolness and comfort. By incorporating Irish county tartans, faded plaid waistcoats, and bubblegum pink micro aviator puffers, Marras demonstrated an innate understanding of how young women want to dress.
Additionally, Max Mara introduced a new Weekend collection, the second collaboration with acclaimed architect and designer Patricia Urquiola. The collection, titled ‘Habito’, marked a significant milestone as the 10th collection for Weekend. Urquiola’s hyper large silhouettes reflected the leisurely vibe of a lazy weekend, but some felt that the collection became overwhelming with unexpected clashes of graphics, colors, and textures. This led to a discussion about whether architects can truly translate their design expertise into exceptional fashion collections, with only a few notable examples from the 80s and 90s standing out.
In conclusion, Max Mara’s 24-hour stint in Milan was undoubtedly eventful and showcased the brand’s dedication to innovation and style. From the architect-inspired signature collection to the cool and youthful Max & Co collaboration and the unique Weekend collection by Patricia Urquiola, Max Mara once again proved themselves to be a brand at the forefront of fashion. While there were some considerations surrounding the Weekend collection, overall, it was undeniably a successful period for Max Mara.
Useful links:
1. Official Max Mara Website
2. Max Mara Spring 2022 Collection Review
