Max Mara’s Daring Cruise Collection at Royal Palace of Caserta

Staging a cruise show at the Royal Palace of Caserta evokes images of traditional ballgowns, but the latest collection from Max Mara, directed by Ian Griffiths, takes a refreshing departure from convention. The collection embraces a modern, bold aesthetic, inspired by iconic Italian cinema.

Cinematic Inspirations

This season, the Max Mara collection channels the spirit of classic Italian film icons like Silvana Mangano from the 1949 film “Riso Amaro” and Sophia Loren, known for her alluring roles in the 1963 movie “Ieri, oggi, domani.” The essence of these characters is reflected in the collection’s sexy and liberated designs, appealing to the modern woman who confidently pairs shorts with cropped tops and thigh-high leather boots.

The Essence of Italian Style

Griffiths articulated how Italian style gained global recognition through the lens of cinema. Iconic actresses laid the groundwork for what Italian fashion is today, inspiring the collection with a sense of timeless beauty and resilience. “We’re still living with that legacy today,” Griffiths remarked, emphasizing the continuous influence of Italian cinema on contemporary fashion.

A Star-Studded Event

The show attracted a host of modern celebrities, including Sharon Stone, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Joey King, who was honored with the Women in Film’s Max Mara Face of the Future Award. Their presence underscored the collection’s relevance, and the historic setting of Caserta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, created a stunning backdrop for this fashion event.

Celebrating Napoli’s Spirit

Located just 20 miles north of Naples, the Royal Palace of Caserta served as an inspirational setting for Griffiths. He noted, “We looked to the most extreme Italian city,” highlighting Naples’ rich culture and vibrant energy as crucial sources of inspiration. The designer honored the city’s historical resilience while infusing the collection with the indomitable spirit of Italian character, as captured in Norman Lewis’s book “Naples ’44.”

Art and Fashion: A Delicate Balance

While discussing the romanticized portrayal of Naples, Griffiths pondered the relationship between art and fashion. He believes that while fashion often presents idealized visions, it does not shy away from celebrating deeper narratives. “Fashion is about fantasy, while art is about truth; both can coexist,” he stated, emphasizing the beauty of Napoli’s spirit as an ideal to strive for in his designs.

Innovative Designs and Collaborations

The collection highlights a seamless blend of feminine silhouettes and menswear influences, featuring collaborations with renowned Neapolitan tie-maker E. Marinella. This partnership introduced silk pajama suits adorned with timeless motifs, infusing a contemporary touch into classic designs. Griffiths aims to combine voluminous femininity with tailored precision, resonating with Max Mara’s ethos of sophistication.

A Confident Woman in Today’s Fashion

Griffiths’s vision remains focused on crafting luxurious garments that empower women. He believes that it’s essential for customers to feel confident in what they wear. “We would be making a huge mistake if we sold something that didn’t resonate,” he remarked, ensuring the collection aligns with Max Mara’s dedication to quality and understated glamour.

This innovative collection captures the essence of contemporary Italian fashion while celebrating an indomitable spirit, elegantly bridging the past with the evolving narrative of modern femininity.