By Nisha Kapitzki
Max Mara, founded in 1951 by Achille Marramotti in Regio Emillia, Italy and currently creatively directed by Ian Griffith, presented their Spring/Summer 2026 with complete modernity and chicness, perhaps even a tad bit sultry for the brand’s history. Max Mara has long stood as a vision of refined Italian luxury, known for their philosophy built on timelessness, precise tailoring and a neutral palette. Griffith, who joined Max Mara in 1987 and was appointed creative director in 2013, has been a keystone figure in the evolution of this heritage. While staying loyal to the brand identity he has introduced bolder silhouettes and nuances sensuality, among other changes to what Max Mara is today.
Catwalk and details from the Max Mara SS26 runway show in Milan (Images courtesy of Max Mara)
This Italian heritage brand incorporated their iconic colour of a camel beige, as well as hues of grey, off-white, black, baby pink and yellow. The garments taped into their traditional structure of the trench coat, however they took it a few steps further as they presented looks revealing more skin than the typical Max Mara silhouette. British creative director Ian Griffith took inspiration from the 1780s, 1980s and the Rococo era with the collection consisting mainly of monochromatic looks and moments of floral patterns and organza-mesh ruffles. Besides the orderly fashion of Max Mara, the collection consisted of daring looks straying away from the typical norm. Looks included middriffs, collar bones and long legs.
The show was filled with star studded guests such as Faye Peraya and Maude Apatow, who was declared the 20th recipient of the annual WIF Max Mara Face of the Future Award, an award dedicated to the rising star’s embodiment of style, grace and artistic excellence. According to Fashion Network, Apatow’s favourite look of the show was a look similar to hers, a grey two piece with a halter neckline (Look 12).
This show had various top models walk down the runway, such as Imaan Hammam and Alex Consani closing the collection (Looks 46, 47).
Max Mara Spring/Summer 2026: Looks 46, 47 (Images courtesy of Max Mara)
SS26 felt like an homage to power dressing for the current woman. With looks ranging for various intents, such as the office or an evening out, yet still finding a way to intertwine with one another. Creating a layer of compatibility and adaptability of fashion which is desired by the 21st century modern woman. With constant change and unpredictability of the nature of this world, the collection as whole depicts elements of how the environment of today is. Looks that incorporate more layers and longer sleeves bring a level of warmth but also a level of constraint. Looks with more cropped aspects and thinner materials, make the garments better suited for warmer climates through its breathability, but also indirectly hinting towards the unpredictability of our climate and the urgency of adaptability to our present and perhaps future (Looks 25, 11).
Max Mara Spring/Summer 2026: Looks 25, 12 (Images courtesy of Max Mara)
See the full SS26 runway show here.