Journey into the world of Émilie, Marquise du Châtelet, a trailblazing intellectual of the 18th century who defied convention and championed intellectual freedom. Max Mara’s Fall Winter 2023 collection pays homage to this visionary woman, translating her spirit into a modern wardrobe that defies boundaries.
Ian Griffiths, the creative force behind Max Mara, embarked on this creative exploration by delving into the question: “What’s the relevance of the 18th century to today?” This inquiry led him to Émilie du Châtelet, a brilliant French mathematician who not only translated Isaac Newton into French but also corrected some of his errors along the way. Griffiths seized upon Émilie as a symbol of enlightenment, a period when female intelligence began gaining recognition despite the constraints of a stifling and controlled female wardrobe.
Intrigued by the clash between Émilie’s intellectual prowess and the restrictive fashion of her time, Griffiths envisioned a modern interpretation of her style. He mused, “The fashion at the time was completely not enlightened. So I was imagining how she might have dressed if she had freedom to and how that would translate into today.” Drawing from his own experiences, Griffiths drew parallels between the Baroque-inspired New Romantic subculture and the transformation of fashion in Émilie’s era.
Émilie’s romantic entanglement with Voltaire, a renowned philosopher, added another layer of depth to her story. In an era where philosophy and natural sciences danced with a touch of mysticism, the pair embarked on a decade-long journey of scientific exploration and intellectual exchange. Despite societal constraints, Émilie viewed the adversity as fuel for her intellectual fire, using it to produce meaningful work and break through the barriers.
Fashion during the Age of Reason reflected a complex blend of ritualistic symbolism and restrictive attire. Voluminous drapery, feathers, horsehair, whalebone, and towering wigs defined the aesthetic, yet Émilie’s disdain for superstition and necromancy set her apart. In Max Mara’s reimagining, Émilie discards the trappings of her time, embracing a wardrobe shaped by scientific curiosity and intellectual liberation.
As the curtains close on this sartorial journey through history, Max Mara’s collection stands as a tribute to Émilie’s enduring legacy. Her unwavering pursuit of knowledge, freedom, and self-expression continues to inspire and resonate, a reminder that fashion is not merely fabric; it’s a conduit for storytelling, a means of defying convention, and a celebration of the eternal spirit of individuality.
