Italian Cinema Thrives at The Max Mara Resort

The event occurred last evening in Caserta.

Courtesy of Max Mara

Envision the attire from renowned films such as La Dolce Vita, Roman Holiday, Napoli Milionaria, or Riso Amaro. The archetypal casual style permeated Italian cinema during the 1950s and 1960s, and Max Mara's creative director Ian Griffiths aimed to encapsulate the same tailored nonchalance for Resort 2026.

Last night, after a welcoming supper at La Bersagliera in Naples, the company proceeded to the baroque royal mansions north of the city, Reggia di Caserta, to present its runway presentation. Appropriately, in line with the theme, the front row was occupied by distinguished Hollywood attendees, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Joey King, Alexa Chung, and Sharon Stone.

Courtesy of Max Mara

The scenario epitomized typical Italian luxury: minimalist yet expressive, featuring neatly tailored hats obscuring the eyes, fluid suits, and contrasting fabrics. The Max Mara woman epitomized the contemporary, dandy-esque archetype that Achille Maramotti aimed to attire when establishing the business in 1951. The color scheme adhered to the house's style, featuring sophisticated neutrals, elegant blacks, soft blush pinks, and accentuated by periwinkle and navy blue.

The monochromatic hues enabled the intricacies of the attire to be highlighted. Shawls and knits were secured at the waist with discreet jeweled belts, necklines adopted a geometric style with finely cut upturned lapels and off-the-shoulder designs, while over-the-knee boots imparted an editorial elegance to micro shorts. A cooperation with E. Marinella, the Naples tie manufacturer, on printed silk items enhanced the menswear-inspired credibility.

The ensembles were enhanced by four new iterations of the Whitney bag, including a beach-inspired woven raffia design with contrasting leather accents. The redesigned bag and revised silk scarves from the exhibition are included in Max Mara's see-now buy-now collection and can be purchased online at maxmara.com.