What do you look for in a bag or coat? Beauty and quality, of course, but do you also want to say something about yourself? And if so, what?
If your style is low-key classic, you’ll be drawn to labels that offer luxury and style, but in a reserved way: minimal logos; nothing too obvious, flashy or fussy. That may be why Italian luxury brand Weekend Max Mara, the casual, outdoorsy sister to the Milanese powerhouse, is so sought after. It rarely says too much but invariably gets you noticed. Since 1983, its focus on beautiful fabrics, fine details, muted colours and next-level quality has made it the go-to for quiet, considered dressing.
For its spring/summer 2025 collection, the brand has focused on practical, long-lasting pieces that fit into a busy lifestyle as well as offering a confidence boost. Wide-leg chinos are paired simply with a white T-shirt; a wear-forever leather jacket surprisingly joins forces with city shorts.
Long a Weekend Max Mara icon, the gabardine trench has been reworked into myriad guises – ultra short plus long and sweeping – to ensure it remains the star of countless wardrobes. And the cult bag Pasticcino, Italian for small pastry, is as delicious now as when first served up in 2016. The rounded style (the brand calls it “squishy and cuddly”), with its decorative clasp and discreet butterfly its only identifying markers, recalls the glamour of evening bags of the ’20s and ’30s, and elevates even the simplest look.
Remarkably roomy and with a detachable chain strap, its many iterations of colour, pattern and size allow it to be clasped in the hand, tucked under the arm or worn across the body or shoulder. In fact, the Pasticcino is so popular that the brand has launched it on a world tour, where at each stop local artisans reimagine a new version.
First up was Venice in 2022, where it was fashioned in sumptuous Fortuny fabric and Murano glass clasps. Then Paris conjured it into guipure lace with ceramic close, while a visit to Kyoto transformed it with traditional silk jacquard and woven cord orbs. Weekend Max Mara is also soon to unveil its latest capsule collection with influential collaborators who include designer Arthur Arbesser, stylist Kate Phelan and models Lily Aldridge and Alek Wek.
For autumn, husband and wife team Gerardo Cavaliere and Margherita Cardelli, of Giuliva Heritage, will add nonchalant tailoring and countryside chic. Rest assured that all offerings will be easy to approach and elevated but wearable. After all, there’s a confidence that comes from wearing beautiful clothes for yourself, rather than for others. Especially when the pieces are as familiar as close friends.
Shop the collection at au.maxmara.com
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