Max Mara

The story of Weekend Max Mara begins with the vision of its founder, Achille Maramotti, a man whose passion for design helped shape modern Italian fashion. Born and raised in Italy, Maramotti grew up surrounded by craftsmanship and creativity. His great-grandmother ran a dressmaking workshop in the city, while his mother taught pattern cutting and sewing. It was here that Achille first developed a deep appreciation for the art of tailoring.

Despite later earning a law degree, Maramotti felt an undeniable pull towards fashion. He trained in dressmaking and began to imagine a new future for Italian clothing. In post-war Italy, fashion was still largely made-to-measure, but Maramotti saw an opportunity to combine American industrial production with the refinement of European tailoring.

At just 24 years old, he founded his first company, initially naming it Confezioni Maramotti. By the late1950s, the brand was renamed Max Mara — ‘Max’ representing the superlative and “Mara” a playful nod to his surname. With this new identity came a revolutionary idea, beautifully crafted clothing produced with the efficiency of ready-to-wear manufacturing. In doing so, the brand became a true pioneer of Italian prêt-à-porter, helping transform the country’s fashion industry and laying the foundations for the modern ready-to-wear wardrobe we know today.

Remarkably, Max Mara remains an independent, family-owned company. At Jane Young, this rich history relates to us, as a company now in its fourth generation, and is one of the many reasons we are so proud to stock Weekend Max Mara. The collection perfectly captures the brand’s signature balance of timeless Italian style and effortless everyday elegance. From beautifully tailored pieces to relaxed weekend essentials, it’s a label that reflects the same values Jane Young holds dear: quality, craftsmanship and clothing designed to be loved for years to come.

For us, Weekend Max Mara is more than just a designer label — it’s a heritage brand with a remarkable story, and one we are delighted to share with our customers.”

Over the years, Max Mara has earned a reputation for dressing some of the world’s most influential women. Known for its refined tailoring, elegant simplicity and beautifully crafted outerwear, the brand has long been associated with modern power dressing — clothing designed to support and empower the women who wear it.

Actresses such as Angelina Jolie are often seen in Max Mara’s signature pencil skirts and wrap coats, pieces that reflect her polished yet understated style both on and off the red carpet. Similarly, Meghan Markle has frequently chosen Max Mara silk blouses and soft, elegant outerwear, particularly during her transition into royal life, favouring the brand’s refined approach to contemporary dressing.

Part of Max Mara’s enduring appeal lies in its philosophy; the clothing is designed to enhance the woman wearing it rather than compete with her. Clean lines, impeccable tailoring and timeless silhouettes create pieces that feel polished, professional and effortlessly elegant. It’s no surprise that many women in leadership — from political figures to industry leaders — have embraced Max Mara as part of their professional wardrobe.

The brand’s influence continues to be celebrated across the fashion world, regularly appearing in leading publications such as Vogue, Harper's Bazaar and Elle.

At Jane Young, we love how Max Mara’s approach to dressing feels both empowering and timeless. These are pieces designed not just for a moment, but for real life — elegant, versatile styles that allow every woman to feel confident in her own way.

The Max Mara Fashion Group is one of Italy’s most respected luxury fashion houses, bringing together a portfolio of nine distinct brands, each with its own identity while sharing the same commitment to quality, craftsmanship and timeless design. At the centre of the group sits Max Mara itself — the original mainline collection known for its refined tailoring, investment pieces and the iconic coats that have defined the brand for decades.

Alongside the mainline collection is Weekend Max Mara, a label created to offer a more relaxed, lifestyle-focused approach to the Max Mara aesthetic. While the mainline centres on classic tailoring and statement outerwear, Weekend Max Mara is designed with everyday elegance in mind. Think softer silhouettes, comfortable fabrics and versatile pieces that transition effortlessly from work to travel and leisure. With its slightly more accessible price point and relaxed fit, it captures the same Italian sophistication in a way that feels effortless and wearable.

Another important label within the group is Marella, which blends contemporary Italian style with accessible luxury. Marella collections focus on modern wardrobe staples, offering polished yet easy-to-wear pieces that complement the wider Max Mara design philosophy.

Today, the Max Mara Fashion Group has a truly global presence, with hundreds of boutiques across 69 countries and thousands of single-brand stores worldwide.

At Jane Young, we carefully curate pieces from Weekend Max Mara and Marella — two collections we love for their elegant simplicity, beautiful fabrics and effortless approach to modern dressing. These are styles designed for real wardrobes: timeless, versatile and made to be worn season after season.