Mood board: Max Mara borrowed from what are commonly the most clichéd corners of the fashion industry – i.e., nautical and stars/stripes iconography – yet twisted these over-used concepts into one of the freshest, coolest collections we’ve seen yet in Milan. The stars and stripes were blown up into exaggerated proportions, executed in fresh turquoise blue and coral red and thankfully never used together. The sailor theme, meanwhile, materialised on sharp black striping on slim knitwear and sharply cut suiting. Either way, it was brilliant.

Best in show: A part from the umbrella stripes that made for fantastically graphic trapeze dresses and knitwear, Max Mara also presented a terrific sailing rope print that was executed on a bright red silk matching top and trouser two-piece and later mixed with fresh white and turquoise striped sweaters.

Finishing touches: The models wore platform shoes with cool, striped crepe soles and carried bags that looked suited for a boat. Oversized drawstring totes and regular handbags all came swinging on thick, sailing rope.

RELATED TOPICS: MAX MARA