Ann Whitam‘s novel, Boxer Handsome, was apparently one of Max Mara creative director Ian Griffiths’ inspirations for the Resort 2016 show, but this boxer-inspired collection also conveniently debuted not long after the much talked about Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao fight. We suppose acclaimed literature such as the former serves as chicer inspiration. The boxing influence translated as furry hats and gloves that mimicked boxer mitts and helmets. Then, there were the oversized leather boxer shorts, tank tops, wide belts, and coats draped like boxer robes.
Another inspiration cited in the show notes included Cecil Beaton’s famous Fashion Is Indestructible photograph of a well-clad lady standing in the midst of war-torn rubble in London. The idea? The Max Mara woman is indestructible. She’s a fighting woman. But that doesn’t mean she’s above maintaining her femininity. Floral prints, shiny lamé materials, and sunny yellow hues, plus tiny dancing figures that served as the pattern on a soft pink pajama look. After all, there’s always an aura of fierce beauty that eventually emerges from the the detritus of an urban landscape.
