At the heart of this journey is a mythical figure, a Vesuvian Venus: part Sophia Loren, part Silvana Mangano, with a touch of Ingrid Bergman. A captivating and ambiguous persona—both diva and dandy—with a vamp-like allure and a subtly androgynous edge.
The year 1951 emerges as a recurring theme throughout the collection, evoked through archival details and cultural references. Among the most striking elements is the collaboration with E. Marinella, the historic Neapolitan house founded in 1914 and renowned for its artisanal luxury ties. The iconic patterns designed in 1951 reappear as refined prints on silk pyjamas and cashmere sweaters, offering a contemporary reinterpretation of a quintessential element of Neapolitan tailoring tradition.
The show unfolded beneath the grand marble staircase of the Royal Palace, with the spectacular architecture of the Royal Park as its backdrop. On the runway, a vision of fashion emerged that celebrated the dramatic simplicity of Italian style, blending elegance with freedom, emotion with cinematic heritage.
Highlights included Fedora hats, pink and blue striped shirts, rolled-up shorts, unstructured double-breasted jackets, full skirts, bustiers and slips, alongside evening gowns and crystal-embellished coats, knotted tops, scarves, diva sunglasses, pinstripes, dark denim, and long silk gauze gloves. An effortlessly chic aesthetic, naturally sensual, evoking a world that may seem like a cliché—but remains deeply real.
At Michele Franzese Moda, we invite you to explore our curated selection of Max Mara Studio, available in-store and online. A tribute to timeless Italian elegance.
