Max Mara Resort 2025 “A Venetian Odyssey” Story by RUNWAY MAGAZINE. Photo Courtesy: Max Mara.
Max Mara’s Resort 2025 collection whisked fashion enthusiasts away on a Venetian journey, infusing the historic city’s enchantment into modern-day luxury. Ian Griffiths, Max Mara’s creative director, eloquently captured the spirit of Venice, a city renowned for its magical ambiance and historic significance as a crossroads between East and West. This notion of Venice as a gateway of opulence was brilliantly encapsulated in the collection, which paid homage to the city’s Renaissance heritage while infusing it with contemporary elegance.
The iconic Palazzo Ducale, a gothic marvel served as a fitting backdrop for the show. This was a landmark event, marking the first time a fashion show had been held within the Palazzo’s majestic salons. The show’s setting, with models parading at dusk in the loggia against the stunning backdrop of St. Mark’s Square, was nothing short of breathtaking. Celebrities like Kate Hudson, Brie Larson, and Alexa Chung graced the front row, adding a touch of Hollywood glamour to the Venetian splendor.
Griffiths’ vision for the collection was not to create a historical reenactment, but rather to design a wardrobe that exudes a debonair, adventurous spirit for the modern woman, emphasizing his intent to blend historical influence with contemporary fashion. The collection featured opulent, yet wearable pieces that evoked a sense of confidence.
Key pieces included silk-tasseled belts cinching voluptuous cashmere coats, breezy caftans, and billowing dusters. Capes reminiscent of the traditional Venetian tabarri added a historical touch, while sleeves took center stage with their dramatic balloon shapes, asymmetrical cuts, and slender forms with contrasting cuffs.
The silhouette was a mix of long and lean lines and shorter, leggier styles. True to Max Mara’s ethos, decoration was sparingly yet effectively used, with the collection showcasing a gentle luxury through jacquards inspired by Byzantine mosaics and translucent organzas with Eastern motifs. A palette dominated by neutrals and the brand’s signature camel hue, provided a temperate contrast to the collection’s elaborate detailing.
The show’s pièce de résistance came in the form of four final looks, which were replicas of Griffiths’ degree collection from Manchester University, inspired by Venice and created in collaboration with textile designer Ossie Clark. These pieces included a billowy cape, a round-shaped cocoon, an asymmetrical halter dress, and a dramatic opera coat, all topped with towering turbans designed by Stephen Jones.
Max Mara’s Resort 2025 collection masterfully bridged the opulence of Venice’s past with the sophistication of the present. By drawing inspiration from the city’s rich cultural heritage and infusing it with modern elements, Ian Griffiths created a collection that not only paid tribute to the history of luxury but also set a new standard for contemporary elegance. The show at Palazzo Ducale was a historic moment in fashion, underscoring Max Mara’s ability to captivate and inspire with every collection.
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