Max Mara Pre-Fall 2023
Ian Griffiths thought about icons and alliteration as he discussed Max Mara's pre-fall collection .
The designer revisited the house's iconic styles with reference to the ultimate icon, Marilyn Monroe , whose joyful, carefree images were pinned to his moodboard. Not that the actress has been a new inspiration for fashion or for Griffiths - she's already infused the brand's narrative twice in the past - but her influence is constantly renewed, most recently through her portrayal of Ana de Armas in the movie "Blonde".
However, rather than the Netflix movie, which took a bleak view of the actress's life, Griffiths referenced Elizabeth Winder's book "Marilyn in Manhattan: Her Year of Joy" in his creative journey, as he wanted to evoke Monroe's bohemian life in the city. It was then that she developed her taste for the arts and rubbed shoulders with intellectuals, including her husband Arthur Miller.
"What if she stayed in New York? What would she have worn today? Griffiths wondered. Large outerwear with understated luxury, practical denim pieces, athletic-looking dresses and a few prints here and there, imagined the designer.
Daytime looks nod to workwear via dungarees and pieces in denim, including jeans with a deep turn-up available in sorbet colors, and more masculine pieces, like pinstriped suits or an oversized baseball jacket embroidered with the brand's initials — the same ones worn by the actress.< /p>
Gabardine babydolls stood out under lightweight cashmere coats and trenches, while an option to sequins was covered in a delicate georgette fabric for a more understated evening wear. Other dresses, flared skirts and even the brand's 101801 coat were crafted in technical knit for a sporty touch, as Griffiths pointed out that "Marilyn was the only star who ran every day, and I think she would have continued."
Inspired by Monroe's makeup box, Pop Art prints of beauty products were splashed all over shirts and midi dresses, while artist William Wegman's photographs of his Weimaraner dogs wearing Max Mara's Teddy Bear coat were featured on t-shirts and hoodies.
Better than the pictures, the real coat — set to mark its 10th anniversary in 2023 — has been donated a twist with vibrant hues, including a beautiful raspberry version. Yet it was a new cropped version named Teddy Teddino – another alliteration, he pointed out – and inspired by the shape of a denim jacket that was the highlight of the collection. Its new appeal reflects the brand's ability to create icons that can successfully adapt to the times.
Ian Griffiths thought about icons and alliteration as he discussed Max Mara's pre-fall collection .
The designer revisited the house's iconic styles with reference to the ultimate icon, Marilyn Monroe , whose joyful, carefree images were pinned to his moodboard. Not that the actress has been a new inspiration for fashion or for Griffiths - she's already infused the brand's narrative twice in the past - but her influence is constantly renewed, most recently through her portrayal of Ana de Armas in the movie "Blonde".
However, rather than the Netflix movie, which took a bleak view of the actress's life, Griffiths referenced Elizabeth Winder's book "Marilyn in Manhattan: Her Year of Joy" in his creative journey, as he wanted to evoke Monroe's bohemian life in the city. It was then that she developed her taste for the arts and rubbed shoulders with intellectuals, including her husband Arthur Miller.
"What if she stayed in New York? What would she have worn today? Griffiths wondered. Large outerwear with understated luxury, practical denim pieces, athletic-looking dresses and a few prints here and there, imagined the designer.
Daytime looks nod to workwear via dungarees and pieces in denim, including jeans with a deep turn-up available in sorbet colors, and more masculine pieces, like pinstriped suits or an oversized baseball jacket embroidered with the brand's initials — the same ones worn by the actress.< /p>
Gabardine babydolls stood out under lightweight cashmere coats and trenches, while an option to sequins was covered in a delicate georgette fabric for a more understated evening wear. Other dresses, flared skirts and even the brand's 101801 coat were crafted in technical knit for a sporty touch, as Griffiths pointed out that "Marilyn was the only star who ran every day, and I think she would have continued."
Inspired by Monroe's makeup box, Pop Art prints of beauty products were splashed all over shirts and midi dresses, while artist William Wegman's photographs of his Weimaraner dogs wearing Max Mara's Teddy Bear coat were featured on t-shirts and hoodies.
Better than the pictures, the real coat — set to mark its 10th anniversary in 2023 — has been donated a twist with vibrant hues, including a beautiful raspberry version. Yet it was a new cropped version named Teddy Teddino – another alliteration, he pointed out – and inspired by the shape of a denim jacket that was the highlight of the collection. Its new appeal reflects the brand's ability to create icons that can successfully adapt to the times.
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