For Fall Winter 2025-2026, Max Mara reimagined its iconic coat-centric aesthetic through a poetic exploration of strength, sensuality, and quiet rebellion. Ian Griffiths, the brand’s creative director, looked to the fiercely independent women of the Bloomsbury Group—writers, artists, and intellectuals who defied convention in the early 20th century. Their spirit of defiance and artistic freedom informed a collection that balanced masculine tailoring with fluid, romantic elements, crafting a wardrobe for the modern intellectual with a rebellious streak.

The show opened with precise, structured outerwear, a hallmark of the house, but with subtle twists—coats featured draped collars, cocooning silhouettes, and sculptural sleeves that softened their classic lines. A palette of soft neutrals—camel, biscuit, and dove gray—was punctuated by inky blues, oxblood, and deep forest green, evoking the moody landscapes of Virginia Woolf’s Sussex retreat.

Knitwear played a central role, reinforcing comfort as a luxury statement. Slouchy cashmere sweater dresses, ribbed turtlenecks, and cape-like ponchos enveloped the body, exuding effortless sophistication. Structured blazers and high-waisted trousers echoed the tailored suiting worn by Bloomsbury’s women and men alike, emphasizing gender-fluid elegance.

Dresses and skirts softened the collection’s severity, with fluid pleats, sheer layering, and bias-cut silhouettes that hinted at understated sensuality. A standout look featured a midnight blue velvet gown, its modest neckline offset by a daring open back, embodying the collection’s tension between restraint and freedom.

Accessories reinforced the heritage-meets-modernity approach. Oversized leather tote bags in rich, textured finishes and chunky riding boots balanced practicality with subtle grandeur. Belted wool coats and plush shearling wraps added a tactile richness, layering warmth and refinement.

While deeply rooted in Max Mara’s legacy of precision tailoring and timeless luxury, this season’s collection felt fresh and introspective, offering a wardrobe for women who, like the Bloomsbury icons before them, embrace both intellect and individuality. With this collection, Griffiths reaffirmed Max Mara’s position as the go-to brand for powerful women who command quiet attention through confidence, intelligence, and undeniable style.