MFW SS19: Max Mara

UNIFORM. That’s the word which most aptly describes the house of Max Mara – for its fashion eternally reshapes and modernises itself while in keeping with a classic stance for a woman of work. The colour palette is never too experimental – it resides to black, navy, white, and a range of browns. Experimentalism instead is found through a masterhood of layering – a continual form of refreshment for how women can wear essential pieces by innumerable ways. This morning, for the unveiling of the SS19 collection in Milan, that fact was affirmed once again.

Intellectualism lay at its forefront. The brand’s acclaimed overcoats were styled atop eye-catching styling which played with garment levels to the upmost extent. Top example: knee length trousers were paired with warmers for the lower half of the leg. Fitting for the spring and summer seasons? Some may agree to disagree, but as far as the Italian label is concerned, materialistic stages are the current way forward. That idea was additionally proven through fitted pencil skirts, split at just the right amount to reveal further sartorial awareness beneath. The overall implication? Tis the season for smart layering.

Summer arrived in total force mid-collection, as unlike the brand, a pop of bright yellow-clad garments were infused. And with it, boldness was further affirmed. Formal attire had taken a tonal turn, and all were in favour of it. With a model entourage including Kaia Gerber, Joan Smalls, Gigi Hadid, Irina Shayk, Max Mara’s army of females came in total fashioned force. Against the backdrop of Milan Fashion Week – which frequently debuts collections of obvious femininity – the house serves as a continual reminder of Italy’s talent for tailoring. That flair wasn’t solely fashioned against block colour – prints were proclaimed, too.

The most prominent were polka dots – understandable given the enduring appeal of the pattern and pleasant practicality for the spring and summer seasons. As for details – frill finishes were injected atop a handful of looks, whilst still maintaining a strive for simplicity through their set hue of black. The overarching verdict? A question: how can one suggest style through formal wear? According to Max Mara, the answer lies in powerful playing of smart ensembles. So for SS19, grab as many garments as possible and piece them together for a performance of perfection – weather permitting.

by Faye Fearon