When discussing eternal outerwear with timeless allure, it’s essential to mention Max Mara, whose coats demonstrate how a simple stylistic intuition like a basic camel coat can become a perennial must-have, resistant to the fluctuating trends in fashion. Max Mara’s jackets, puffer coats, and especially their coats, are outerwear pieces that have stood the test of time, and continue to withstand the ebbs and flows in the fashion world.
Icons of style and elegance, including the iconic menswear-inspired camel coats, Max Mara coats stand as a pillar in the history of outerwear. They are a statement of style, outstanding in every way, and distinctive symbols of Italian tailoring savoir-faire, transcending decades without losing their charm. Max Mara‘s tradition in crafting long, medium, and short coats, bags, shoes, and accessories, translates into the creation of perfect collections every season, reflecting the essence of the unique brand.
Through its coats, Max Mara has defined a new concept in the world of outerwear with models like the Max Mara 101801, the quintessential classic overcoat loved for its timelessly chic silhouette and refined wool and cashmere composition; the Ludmilla coat, reinterpreting minimalist sophistication without compromising its ability to enhance any silhouette; or the Manuela model, Anne-Marie Beretta’s belted camel hair coat. Moreover, there’s also room for modern creativity with the Teddy coat, capturing modernity with a bold design and an unbeatable sense of comfort. But at Max Mara, it’s not just the coats that make a difference.
The brand also excels in creating jackets, puffer coats, and trenches that cater to various climatic and stylistic needs. Their puffer coats, whether quilted, hooded or sleeveless, are a safe haven against the harshest winters, never straying from the brand’s stylistic lines. The jackets, on the other hand, are a tribute to female empowerment, with impeccable cuts that render them both versatile and capable of transcending seasons and fashion trends.
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The history of Max Mara brand
The story of Max Mara is a feminine fairytale, encompassing the commitment of a family and the tenacity of its female members to create a distinctive style, which has become as iconic as its coats. While the company was founded by fashion enthusiast and visionary entrepreneur Achille Maramotti upon his return from the United States in 1951, Max Mara’s excellence originated from an already established specialized tailoring dating back to Achille’s mother Giulia who was renowned for her skill in teaching and training a generation of women in the textile industry. The leap onto the international scene occurred when Achille began to industrialize the family’s artisan tailoring, without ever compromising on quality and attention to detail. These aspects continue to define Max Mara’s clothing, with a particular focus on coats, which are undoubtedly the emblem of the brand.
The Max Mara 101801 coat: an absolute fashion icon
Hailed as the quintessential long camel coat, traversing generations and sparking a long line of refined fashion trends, the Max Mara 101801 coat is an indispensable piece of clothing for lovers of sophisticated style. Launched in 1981, this coat revolutionized the concept of women’s outerwear, embodying the timeless elegance of a uniquely versatile overcoat. Crafted in beaver wool and cashmere, the 101801 is defined by its clean, minimalist design and wide lapels. Its main feature lies in its ability to adapt perfectly to any kind of silhouette, making it an ideal piece of outerwear for both formal occasions and more casual looks.
A successful example that stands firm against contemporary trends, it doesn’t need any particular stylistic gimmicks to stand out in the world of overcoats. The creator of the 101801 coat, Anne-Marie Beretta, was driven by the desire to achieve synergy between craftsmanship and productivity in a single garment, aiming for– as the designer herself has often stated– “a balance between fabric, shape, color, and processing to achieve perfection“.
There are certainly many imitations of this model which closely follow its masculine cut and unmistakable camel color, but the originality of this authentic piece is found in the so-called “Puntino,” the typical stitch used in men’s tailoring. Riding on a wave of enduring success, the Max Mara 101801 coat has been revisited in jersey fabric and pastel tones for the milder seasons. Even in these variations, the focus remains on the original model: an oversized fit, double-breasted closure, and unstructured sleeves.
Creating the Perfect Look with the Max Mara 101801 Coat
The Max Mara 101801 coat is a versatile staple in any outfit, from everyday wear to the most sophisticated ensembles, requiring little to always appear cool in any situation. Essential to a sophisticated and modern wardrobe, the Max Mara 101801 becomes a valuable ally in creating a look that’s hard to go wrong in. Paired with tapered tailored trousers and a white shirt, a professional and refined appearance ideal for the office or a formal event can be achieved.
For an evening out with friends or your partner, let yourself be seduced by combining it with a light and flowing midi dress, balancing the coat’s rigor with a touch of femininity and softness. Accessories then add an extra touch to personalize your style: an elegant shoulder bag and a pair of medium-heeled shoes add a sophisticated touch to an outfit and ensure comfort in any occasion.
A bucket hat or a wide-brimmed hat can also be a perfect choice to add personality and refinement to a tailored combination. Don’t forget the importance of a brightly colored stole to add a lively accent to winter greys, and a pair of leather gloves to combine practicality and charm. The Max Mara 101801 coat becomes a perfect ally in which to express your fashion sense, merging classic and contemporary trends in a harmonious balance.
The Teddy Coat: The Quintessential Oversized Coat
It may not seem like it, but a decade has already passed since the Teddy Coat, with its unmatched comfort and softness, made its runway debut. Max Mara’s Teddy Coat continues to be an it-coat chosen by celebrities and glamor enthusiasts alike, who don’t hesitate to indulge in a stylish treat. Warm, fluffy, and enveloping, this coat has rightfully become a winter cult classic thanks to its comfortable and extravagant line.
The secret to its success lies in a perfect balance between comfort and eccentricity, inspired by a 1950s men’s design and revisited in a fabric with an innovative and luxurious feel. The Teddy originated from a creative insight by the creative director Ian Griffiths, who, while browsing the maison’s archives for inspiration, found the design of a long-haired men’s coat that Achille Maramotti had made for a friend in the middle of the previous century.
From this came the idea to modernize the historic coat into an oversized version, following the playful spirit of contemporary fashion, but with a meticulous, elegant construction that would fit any silhouette. The Teddy Coat is created in a silk base with refined jersey, where each fiber is enhanced through a blast of hot air. The final touch is provided by alpaca and wool, cut to 5 centimeters.
The coat’s cocoon appearance, lapel collar, and exaggerated volume tie together in perfect harmony to turn the Teddy Coat into one of the most beloved coats of all time. Since its runway debut in 2013, the Teddy– strictly in a camel tone– has continued to grow in popularity, inspiring numerous variations of the original model.
Notable is the Sparkling Teddy Coat, available in white or camel, and the children’s version, the Mini Teddy Coat, which launched Max Mara into the kids’ fashion sector. There are also short jacket versions and variations in different colors (sand, pink, sage green, black, and lilac), as well as its debut in the world of accessories such as bags, shoes, hats and gloves. These interpretations showcase a concept that represents a declaration of love for a garment that leaves no room for criticism.
How to Wear the Teddy Coats
A winter trend, the Teddy Coat with its unparalleled softness, evokes childhood images like children’s plush toys. Hence, this model inherently calls for playfulness and a cheeky look, lending itself to the creation of fun and romantic outfits. Short chiffon dresses, sheath dresses, or mini skirts matched with XL clutches, crossbody wallets, and over-the-knee boots make the outfit more captivating and playful. The Teddy Coat also remains a cult coat for street style looks, often flaunted by stars, with white low sneakers, tracksuits, and denim skirts, not to mention sportswear with leggings and sweatshirts in various colors. For accessories, it’s best to stick to a basic style like handbags or belt bags, to give that easy-going aspect that perfectly matches a casual chic look.
The Ludmilla Coat: The Refined Simplicity of Cashmere
The Ludmilla coat by Max Mara epitomizes refined simplicity. Characterized by clean lines, less structured than the Max Mara 101801, and with a feminine silhouette, Ludmilla is an example of how minimalist design can convey a sense of distinctive sophistication. Hand-sewn in a double fabric of cashmere with a plush finish, featuring lapel collars, no lining, and stylishly deconstructed, this long coat drapes gently over any silhouette, offering warmth and comfort without lacking style.
The coat was reinterpreted in 2016, preserving the original features that have always made this model unique: kimono sleeves, large patch pockets, and a coordinating belt that defines the profile. The belt stands out as an accent on an elegant and enveloping piece, reminiscent of a chic, warm, and versatile robe, but with a subtle toughness suitable for various occasions, from work to an evening event.
With Ludmilla, Max Mara once again demonstrates its commitment to offering high-quality garments, with a luminous touch reminiscent of satin, the result of a carding process that removes impurities from the fabric to make it perfect to the touch and brilliant to the eye. In delicate shades of light gray, leather, sand, and also bolder colors like red, Ludmilla does not shy away from the temptation to win every woman’s heart with colors that deviate from the classics, daring with vivid tones, yet never losing the brand’s inherent delicacy.
How to Pair the Ludmilla Coat
The soft fit of the Ludmilla coat, akin to an elegant cardigan to flaunt every day or on special occasions, makes it ideal for sophisticated everyday outfits such as skinny jeans and midi skirts, silk shirts, jumpsuits, and day dresses. A casual style, created by a coat defined as a symbol of discreet luxury, is completed with a tote bag, sneakers, and a soft-toned fedora hat.
Naturally, there are also combinations with the right jewelry, such as bracelets, dangling earrings, or brooches, to flaunt for an important evening with midi-length silk dresses. For a formal look, the Ludmilla coat remains a winning choice with suits, both skirt and pants, complementing the outfit with a refined shoulder bag or a clutch, an expression of a style with contemporary charm.
The Manuela Coat, the Essence of Max Mara’s Philosophy
The Manuela model completes the range of Max Mara’s trendy coats. With its ample volume and enveloping lines, Manuela encapsulates the essence of the maison’s philosophy, where attention to detail and the meticulous crafting of Max Mara garments are emphasized in the creation of a coat that is beyond comparison. Made from pure camel fabric, the success of Manuela is realized right from the material’s composition and processing stages.
The camel hair, after being hand-collected during shedding periods, undergoes a specific carding process. This technique ensures that the coat is free from impurities common during various production processes, achieving an absolute brilliance of the fabric. Then, there’s the stylistic signature of the brand on the edge of the coat, namely the traditional prominent tailoring stitch that finishes the garment. Couture details like button closures, classic lapels, two side welt pockets, and especially the removable waist belt narrate Max Mara’s inimitable style, reflecting a woman who never compromises on her innate elegance.
Glamorous Pairings with the Manuela Coat
Like every Max Mara coat, the Manuela model offers endless pairing possibilities. Try wearing it, for example, with an evening dress and high-heeled shoes for a flawless look; or dare to combine it with straight pants and a simple turtleneck sweater, or flared pants, a blouse, cardigan, and loafers for a chic everyday look.
Knit dresses, a guarantee of comfort and style, paired with tall boots or pumps, are particularly suitable for accompanying contemporary trends without sacrificing a traditional allure. The neutral nature of the Manuela coat also allows for an easy luxury spirit, playing with colorful accessories like beanie hats, eye-catching sunglasses, and bucket bags, to which you can match ballet flats or trendy sneakers. A silk scarf, hair jewelry, and a cool belt complete the outfit to underline the attention of creating a unique and dynamic style.
