Max Mara’s forever pieces

The term ‘forever piece’ gets bandied around rather a lot these days, but one brand whose every creation is truly deserving of the title is, of course, Max Mara. The quintessential quiet luxury label, Max Mara’s aesthetic eschews excess in favour of restraint, resulting in the kind of timeless creations that will always have a special place in your closet.

Founded in 1951 by lawyer-turned designer Achille Maramotti; a concern for craft, quality and form are hardwired into the brand’s DNA. Max Mara is a brand that has never bowed to trends. Making it the obvious choice for women with a point of view and a desire to dress for themselves and themselves alone; so it should come as no surprise that the brand is a firm favorite with inimitable A-listers including Priyanka Chopra, Cindy Crawford and Tracee Ellis Ross. By eye, a Max Mara piece is instantly recognizable thanks to the purity and deceptive simplicity of the design. However, to wear one, and feel the world-class fabrics, is to realize just how sumptuous and singular these exquisitely crafted pieces really are.

This season, Creative Director Ian Griffiths sought inspiration from the artistic wellspring and cultural melting pot that is Berlin, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall by hosting the brand’s Cruise 20 collection in the iconic Neues Museum. A neo-classical building completed in the mid 19th century, this year, the museum unveiled an eagerly awaited new wing designed by David Chipperfield; a British architect with a decidedly modern style. It’s this effortless blending of old and new ideas that speaks to Max Mara’s enduring appeal, so it is fitting that they became the first ever brand to show a collection in this monumental space.

Griffith’s research on this historic city led him to two of its most famous, and stylish, residents, Marlene Dietrich and David Bowie. Their shared appreciation for precision-tailored suiting inspired the covetable separates in this collection. Nowadays, we’re all aware that it’s necessary to find a more sustainable way to feed our love of fashion – and the easiest place to start is by shopping better. From the ultra-flattering high-waisted, wide-legged pants to the chic long-line waistcoats and power blazers, these seasonless pieces simply will not age. Meaning that they are the ideal addition to your capsule closet. Fit for any occasion, beige tailoring is an easy way to put a chic spin on your 9-5 look while, finished with a liberal helping of diamonds, a wasp-waisted black suit promises to put an insouciant spin on after-dark dressing.

In fact, the brand was founded on the notion that true style isn’t about having an inordinate amount of clothing; it’s about having the right pieces. When Maramotti launched the label, he did so with just two designs, a red suit and a camel coat – the latter of which has become synonymous with the brand. This season, we saw this classic piece transformed into a plush cashmere trench, evocative of old-world glamour. An investment piece of the highest order, this iconic design will slot effortlessly into your existing closet. Consider it a failsafe way to elevate your everyday look or a suitably decadent evening option. You’ll wear, and cherish, this effortlessly elegant piece forever. In other words, these investment pieces promise serious ROI.