Weekend Max Mara FW26: 'Into the Forest'

Weekend Max Mara unveils its new Signature Collection, titled “Into the Forest: A Weekend with Robert Rabensteiner”. The collection is a compelling oxymoron, blending nature with city life. It contrasts days spent in the Alps with evenings dedicated to cultural events.

This new project for the autumn/winter 2026-27 season was created in collaboration with Robert Rabensteiner. A stylist and former fashion editor-at-large for L’Uomo Vogue, Rabensteiner is considered one of the most influential figures in menswear. His style is known for blending eclectic elegance with refined nonchalance.

“Into the Forest: A Weekend with Robert Rabensteiner” is a carefully curated lifestyle proposition. It is designed for a woman who navigates the intersection of two worlds. She travels from tranquil mountain landscapes to the vibrant intellectual circles of cultural cities, merging these experiences into a singular aesthetic. Steeped in the authenticity of mountain tradition, the collection reflects Rabensteiner's origins.

A free-spirited intellectual, the protagonist of this collection embraces nature in all its forms, from hiking in the woods to travelling by motorcycle or camper van. “It is the first image that came to my mind: a woman inviting her friends to gather around a carefully set table in the heart of the forest. It is the highest expression of elegance,” states Rabensteiner. “In general, the collection mixes masculine and feminine elements, juxtaposing hyper-classic pieces with contemporary accents.”

Overall, Rabensteiner masters the art of layering with a distinctive mix of folk, workwear, hiking attire and evening glamour.

The collection also draws inspiration from the classic elegance and resilience of traditional Austrian alpine coats. These are reinterpreted through three distinctive elements. The first is material, featuring the iconic mélange effect which also defines the new Pasticcino Bag and a short wool coat with a back pleat detail. The second is shape, with the classic aesthetic of a coat with armhole flaps and an inverted back pleat, translated into a fine, hand-sewn, double-faced wool fabric in shades of red and blue. The third is colour, expressed through the typical shade of green used for a matching jacket and trouser suit.

Hand-sewn, double-faced wool is the common thread connecting the outerwear to the more elegant pieces. The range includes an A-line cape, a bomber jacket with dropped shoulders and a linear shift dress. The collection also features knitted dresses and full midi skirts, straight-leg trousers, silk camisoles and authentic fisherman jumpers.

The colour palette comprises a base of green, navy blue, powder blue and chestnut brown, enlivened by accents of red, purple and curry yellow. Materials include a mix of sturdy cotton, Irish wools, leather and precious velvet and silk details.

Accessories complete the collection: the Pasticcino Bag in leather, mélange-effect suede or velvet; velvet evening slippers; buckled boots; technical hiking-inspired boots; a Fedora hat; long cashmere gloves; and printed silk scarves.

Beyond a simple fusion of styles, the collection outlines an essential and intellectual wardrobe. Each piece serves a dual function, allowing the wearer to transition from introspective moments in nature to the cultural vibrancy of the city with impeccable, layered elegance.