Max Mara Resort 2016 Collection

Italian brand Max Mara took the fighting spirit of post-World War II Britain as the inspiration for its resort collection, and for a one-off runway show staged at its new flagship on Bond Street in London. The collection had a sporty, masculine feel, with loose silhouettes and shapes inspired by boxing champs and flying aces. There were dark blue pinstripes galore – worked into smart belted capes, fluid jumpsuits with stretchy waistbands and curvy strapless dresses.

The brand’s signature belted coats were even more loose and languid this season, with hoods and oversize pockets inspired by boxers’ robes. They sparkled in metallic fabric or had an abstract floral print. Other bolder and more structured coats were done in a patchwork of crushed haircalf and came in rich shades of eggplant or teal. Trouser suits were loose and crinkly – as if they’d spent too much time in the spin cycle – their silhouettes contrasting sharply with sparkly, figure-hugging dresses with racer backs.