Designer Spotlight: Max Mara

Max Mara is an Italian luxury fashion label founded in 1951 by Achille Maramotti in Reggio Emilia, Italy. The label began as a small haute couture business with a focus on producing high-quality women's clothing. It quickly gained a reputation for its elegant and refined designs, and by the 1960s, Max Mara had become a well-known name in the fashion industry.

In 1957, Max Mara introduced its first ready-to-wear collection, which was an instant success. The brand continued to expand its range of products and opened its first boutique in Milan in 1965. The 1970s saw Max Mara's expansion into the international market, with the opening of boutiques in Paris and New York.

In the 1980s, Max Mara launched a number of new lines, including Max Mara Weekend, which was designed for more casual and relaxed occasions, and Sportmax, a sportswear collection. The brand continued to grow throughout the 1990s, with the introduction of Max Mara Studio, a more sophisticated line aimed at working women.

Max Mara’s classic, timeless style has remained consistent over the years. The brand's signature camel coat, for example, has become a modern icon. The more recent teddy coat, meanwhile, has been worn by celebrities and fashion influencers and has been featured in numerous fashion editorials. The popularity of the teddy coat has led to many other fashion labels creating their own versions, but Max Mara's remains a classic and highly sought-after piece.

Max Mara's focus on quality and longevity means that the brand is not concerned with creating or following trends, but rather with creating garments that will stand the test of time. The brand's designs are often minimalistic and elegant, with a focus on clean lines and simple silhouettes.