Picture the costumes from iconic movies like La Dolce Vita, Roman Holiday, Napoli Milionaria, or Riso Amaro. That quintessentially effortless style was everywhere in Italian cinema throughout the ’50s and ’60s, and Max Mara creative director Ian Griffiths set out to capture the same tailored nonchalance for resort 2026.
Last night, following a welcome dinner at La Bersagliera in Naples, the brand took to the baroque royal residences just north of the city, Reggia di Caserta, to stage its runway show. And aptly, given the theme, the front row was filled with notable Hollywood guests, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Joey King, Alexa Chung, and Sharon Stone.
The scene was one of classic Italian luxury: minimalist yet expressive, with sharply cut headwear that hid the eyes, swingy suits, and contrasting textures. The Max Mara woman was exactly the modern, dandy-ish type that Achille Maramotti was determined to dress upon founding the brand in 1951. True to house aesthetics, the color palette was one of refinement, consisting of easy neutrals, sleek blacks, blush pinks, and a punctuating look of periwinkle and navy blue.
The monochromatic shades allowed the details of the clothing to shine through. Shawls and knits were fastened across the waist with subtle jeweled belts, necklines took on a geometric attitude with sharply cut upturned lapels and off-the-shoulder tops, while over-the-knee boots gave micro shorts an editorial flair. And a collaboration with E. Marinella, the Naples tiemaker, on printed silk pieces added some menswear-inspired cred.
The ensembles were completed by four new versions of the Whitney bag, including a beachy woven raffia style with contrasting leather trim. The new bag and updated silk scarves from the show are part of Max Mara’s see-now buy-now offering, and are available online at maxmara.com.
Alexandra Hildreth is the Fashion News Editor at ELLE. She is fascinated by style trends, industry news, shake-ups, and The Real Housewives. Previously, she attended the University of St Andrews in Scotland. Following graduation, she moved back to New York City and worked as a freelance journalist and producer.
