Somewhere between a medieval castle and a modern wardrobe, Max Mara finds a new kind of romance for Fall/Winter 2026. The collection is influenced by Matilde di Canossa, the formidable Italian potentate of the Middle Ages, and the strength and resourcefulness she represents. These ideas take shape through precise tailoring, sculptural outerwear, and sumptuous fabrics in shades of camel, taupe, burgundy, and brown. Cashmere, alpaca, mohair, wool, and suede give studied silhouettes a rich, tactile quality, while thoughtful construction keeps the looks effortlessly wearable. Here, set against expansive gardens and serene forests, the collection finds a natural counterpart in clipped hedges, stone terraces, and winding paths. The pieces bring structure to the landscape, while the landscape gives them room to move.
In Full Bloom
A burgundy cape coat flaunts a sense of drama that still feels remarkably wearable. Its voluminous cut and soft, long-haired texture give the look an enveloping quality, while the clean collar and generous sleeves keep the silhouette composed. The deep color brings warmth to the earthy palette, adding a rich note to Max Mara’s familiar language of luxurious outerwear. As she moves through the garden, the coat shifts with her, proving how much presence a great piece of outerwear can have without restricting the woman wearing it.
By the Water’s Edge
A long cape coat in taupe camel and mohair feels right at home among tall trees and still water. Its soft, tactile surface catching the breeze as she walks. The muted shade echoes the surrounding landscape, while the generous volume gives the look an easy, wrapped quality. There’s an inherent romance in the coat’s artful catching of the soft light. Open, the coat reveals the craftsmanship behind its fluid shape. It is quintessential Max Mara: exquisitely crafted, substantial enough to make a statement, and easy to wear.
Among the Hedges
Two looks play with shape and texture against the garden’s clipped hedges and winding greenery. The first pairs a camel sweater with a long, full skirt that follows the body before flaring at the hem, creating a silhouette that is simultaneously structured and fluid. Beside her, a hooded wrap coat in camel and mohair infuses the setting with a different texture; its plush surface and softened structure standing out against the manicured landscape. Together, the looks illustrate how the brand can give familiar pieces a distinct point of view through proportion and material.
The Natural Order
The final looks bring Max Mara’s tailoring expertise into sharper focus. A taupe wool jacket and wide-leg trousers borrow the familiar details of denim, reworked in substantial fabric with a clean, more refined line. In the garden, the look feels especially at home among the trees, while a long, boxy suede coat takes on a different character against a vine-covered brick wall. Its rich surface and simple shape let the material do the talking. Together, the looks make a case for pieces that can be practical without feeling ordinary, with the kind of construction and materials that give even familiar wardrobe staples a little more character.
Photography by James Perolls; videography by Brian Molloy and Alex Sarvide; fashion styling by Rebecca Dennett; hair by Edward Lampley; makeup by Laura Stiassni; creative direction by Thea Karas; art direction by Amber Kelley; video production by Matt Kaklau; edited by Jaclyn Palermo; casting by Mariano Restrepo and Abby Garcia.