The 6 looks I loved at Max Mara's Resort '25 runway show

I've long been fascinated with the richly storied world of Venice and its history as a treasure trove of design. So in coming to the city for Max Mara's Resort '25 show, I naturally made a beeline for the Fortuny Atelier, which is now home to the legacy of designer Mariano Fortuny, a Spanish master of the applied arts who lived in Venice up until his death in 1949.

So, when seated at the incredible Palazzo Ducale later that day for Max Mara's runway show, I was pleasantly surprised to discover how creative director Ian Griffiths has woven aspects of Fortuny's influential works into the fabrics and finer details divine tribute to Venice for the brand's latest Resort collection.

Related: See all the looks from Max Mara's Resort '25 runway show in Venice

But Fortuny is just one of many varied references called on by Griffiths in this collection. Across the 59 Resort looks, the brand brought to life the magic of Venice as the birthplace of modern luxury – following in Marco Polo's footsteps from East to West along the Silk Road, and revisiting the city's enterprising history as a merchant city through a fresh feminine lens.

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Take a closer look at some of my favourite ensembles and details from Max Mara's Resort '25 show below:

"I have to begin at the end, because the final look was magic. With its billowing silhouettes, rich hues and ornate details, this look totally encapsulates the Venetian inspiration at the core of this collection."

"Maybe the most famous Venetian in history, Marco Polo, was a big reference point for Griffiths. I love how historic fashion details and elements of his intrepid travels were infused into looks, like the tassel belts, robes and turbans, not to mention the tactile jacquard and velvet finishes. Medieval references were subtly made modern. A new Renaissance look."

"Many of the models sported waist-skimming braids adorned with pearls. I loved how it enhanced this look in particular – a simple and elegant evening dress – with an unexpected finish."

"Griffiths opted to have a white collar peeping out many of the looks, from tunic dresses to elongated sweaters. It was a statement touch that I loved."

"If there's one thing that Max Mara has mastered, it is the power of simplicity. Even amidst the extravagance and grandeur of the Venetian references, there were simple 'palette-cleanser' pieces like this strapless dress – that still felt very elegant and in keeping with the rest of the collection."

"This look was another favourite, for its easy sense of sophistication. The slouchy caftan silhouette, grounded with the pointy flat shoes worn by all of the models throughout the show, lets the beautiful burgundy tone shine."