After descending on Stockholm in 2024 for a collection inspired by Scandinavian folklore and literary icon Selma Lagerlöf, Max Mara's 2025 Resort collection took to Venice to revel in the opulence and magic of its merchant history
A year on from Max Mara's Resort showcase at Stockholm's grand city hall, creative director Ian Griffiths set his sights on Venice. More specifically, the Palazzo Ducale, a centuries-old masterpiece built in the ornamental Gothic style, where hundreds of editors, style icons and celebrities – Nicky Hilton, Kate Hudson, Bryan Boy and Alexa Chung, amongst others – gathered for the Resort '25 showcase.
But nothing Griffiths does is simply for show. The collection, comprising 59 looks, traced back the threads of the city's magical history as a port base for enterprising merchants – while exploring the power and privilege this brought to Venetian women. 'What better place to show the Resort '25 collection than the city where luxury business started?' the show notes read.
With a nod to Marco Polo, in synchrony with the 700th anniversary of his death, the collection commenced in a stately neutral palette offset with silk textures – just like those which Polo may have brought back from Cathay or Constantinople. A sense of opulence and extravagance also resonated in the snappy tunics, sumptuous tassel trims, sharply cut tailleurs and velvet pannier skirts – crowned with turban-inspired headpieces by legendary milliner Stephen Jones.
Despite the collection's tapestry of decorative elements, Griffith's deftly steered this Resort offering on the side of wearable, rather than costume. And amid the welcome splashes of burgundy and dove blue, Max Mara's beloved camel tones were back in full force: from sweaters and shorts to signature teddy cocoon outerwear – bound to be swiftly snapped up by the brand's stalwart Scandinavian fan cohort.
See the full Resort '25 collection below.
