For Resort 2025, Max Mara transported its audience to the heart of Venice, staging a historic show at the Palazzo Ducale—the first fashion house ever to do so. Against the dusky backdrop of St. Mark’s Square and beneath the ornate Renaissance frescoes of the Gothic landmark, the collection unfolded like a love letter to the city’s rich cultural tapestry.

Creative Director Ian Griffiths looked to the legendary Venetian explorer Marco Polo as his muse, commemorating the 700th anniversary of his passing. The collection celebrated Venice’s historic role as a meeting point between East and West, weaving together elements from Byzantine, Hindu, Zoroastrian, and Chinese cultures with the city’s famed craftsmanship, such as Murano glasswork and traditional gold leaf techniques.

A rich palette of earth tones grounded the collection, with silk and velvet prints inspired by the mosaics of St. Mark’s Square and brocade textures echoing the grandeur of Venetian architecture. Headpieces designed in collaboration with British milliner Stephen Jones brought a sculptural, turban-inspired touch, further linking past to present.

Throughout, Max Mara’s iconic neutral tones and beloved Teddy Bear coats provided a familiar thread for brand devotees, while the show’s poetic styling invited a fresh sense of discovery.

The front row was star-studded, with Brie Larson, Yara Shahidi, Kate Hudson, and the Hilton family among the guests. Critics lauded the collection’s subtle opulence and cosmopolitan elegance—a wardrobe for the modern traveler with an explorer’s soul and a queen’s command of style. Venice never looked more ready-to-wear.