The infinite facets of the feminine wardrobe have inspired the new MAX&Co. collection for autumn/winter 2014.
Lines and volumes, forms and proportions, designs and colours converge in alluring constellations, variable but precise, around three elements which distinctively characterise the collection and the identity the brand: the dress, a frenzy for the overcoat and the knit coat.
Whether colourful, decorated or flourishing a floral print, the dress is this season’s undisputed protagonist. No other garment better than the dress lends itself to expressing myriad facets of femininity. The focal element of the look, it is an indispensable presence in the wardrobe.
The corolla dress, with its snug bodice, tailored waist and billowing skirt, is an iconic silhouette and a timeless style, rendered contemporary by dashes of brilliant colour and rich geometric or floral jacquards.
The foliage patterns are macro, abandoning their original dainty, romantic allure to reveal an amazing modernity. They form abstract patterns which set up a two-tone play between positive and negative and progress across the fluid surfaces of jersey and crisp cascades of taffeta, enhanced by an essential sweater, creating a composition between dress and wrap.
There are more plays of multi-garment effects with the flounced dress boasting bold blocks of colour, making it appear like a smart outfit – a peplum top and skirt – while an alluring effect is generated by coordinated T-shirt and skirt ensembles, from the fashion-forward flair of the maxi-hound’s tooth check with stunning black vinyl detailing, to the up-to-date chic of the blue pin-stripped proposal, broken up by strategically placed cuts and intarsia work.
The culmination of this theme is the little, black dress: tulip-shaped in knit canneté, featuring delicate, transparent effects, volumes animated by flounces and dramatic crystal decoration on velvet. It is precisely this sophisticated embellishment, on collars and costume jewellery, mini-bags, slippers and sandals, which serves to imbue the look with a luxurious appeal.
An affirmation of style capable of instantly transforming an outfit, the overcoat represents an absolute must in the new collection.
Snug and oversize volumes alternate with pure, clean lines to define incisive, dramatic silhouettes. The fabrics are richly textured, furry and fluffy or structured and compact, at times even treated.
The great classics of the past live again, here and now, thanks to meticulous fine-tuning and stylistic flourishes. Impeccable cuts with a masculine panache have been revolutionised by bold use of blocks of colour in a traditional chromatic palette. The feminine elegance of the wraparound overcoat is showcased by delicious candy tones, including two-tone versions.
The dress, the overcoat and the knit coat characterise the collection, which is colourful and full of floral prints
Stripes and oversized chevron designs, in grey-black monochromatic treatments, set the rhythm for starkly simple models, imbuing them with character. The style canons of biker jackets unexpectedly co-exist with all-over embellishments of droplets and showers of shimmering crystals, while the maxi-vest surprises by taking on the mantle of outerwear.
The look is completed with new interpretations of power dressing in pale grey pinstripes, pants with geometric patterns, sophisticated jogging pants and feminine decorative shirts. The knits are assigned the key role of softening and lightening up the image.
Choice of accessories is between ankle boots, sneakers and dandified Oxford shoes. Maxi-clutches and supple tote bags echo the trend toward oversize looks.
MAX&Co. this season features a knit version of one of its iconic pieces: the overcoat, nothing to do with the already familiar cardi-coats. The new knit coats express a highly original concept, reflecting the brand’s curiosity and fresh, pioneering approach to fashion.
A woollen jersey, featuring innovative blends, takes on luxurious tactile characteristics: soft and fluffy, light and airy or warm and protective.
The look resembles that of a woven fabric and it is created by sartorial techniques, forming an egg-shaped silhouette brimming with style and flair. There is just one model, available in turquoise, red, blush pink and milky white, with blue-grey pinstripes, camel-red or grey-white checked patterns.
The star of the new season, knits warm the body and the spirit. Sweaters sport short shapes, leaving room for lots of fun layering, boxy volumes which strike an entirely new balance in terms of lengths and proportions.
New blends of luxury fibres – alpaca, mohair, cashmere – give rise to tactile surfaces, hairy and airy. The mood oscillates between city-chic and urban-cool. Cameo appearances are made by traditional knit stitches – cardigan stitch and cabling – leading to a modern country-to-town look, with a glamorous touch of crystal decoration.
The chromatic palette is dominated by gradations of grey, all the way to extremes of white and black, illuminated by warm whites, rendered feminine by fresh pastel tones and enriched by intense rosy-orange nuances. Macro geometric patterns – classic hound’s tooth checks as well as modern art graphics – have been transferred in micro-versions to snappy skirts and pants.
Quilting effects adorn tote bags and down-filled jackets, which also flourish plenty of knit detailing, animalier patterns which slink across slim pants, shoulder bags and edgy pumps.
Less an accessory than ever, an integral role is played by maxi scarves, gloves and berets, while an offbeat lambskin bag creates a surprising effect thanks to its original nature, complete with shimmering metallic highlights provided by the studs which spangle pumps and clutches.
The collection is available at MAX&Co., High Street, Sliema.