Max Mara Fall/Winter 2025: Untamed Heroine – A Collection for the Modern Romantic

Max Mara’s Fall/Winter 2025 collection, Untamed Heroine, was a breathtaking exploration of contrast, where the poised elegance of the modern woman collided with the passion of timeless literary heroines. Drawing inspiration from the stormy romance and stoic strength of the Brontë sisters’ characters—particularly Jane Eyre and Catherine Earnshaw—creative director Ian Griffiths transformed this dichotomy into a beautifully layered, modern wardrobe that is at once urbane and romantic, rugged yet refined.

With a runway set to match its quiet grandeur, the show perfectly captured the essence of the Untamed Heroine. The models, draped in earthy tones and dramatic silhouettes, seemed to embody the strength, complexity, and mystery that these literary figures possessed. Whether draped in luxurious outerwear or stepping into military-inspired trenches, these heroines were ready to face whatever came their way—powerful, yet vulnerable, passionate, yet controlled.

A Journey Between Control and Passion: Tailoring Meets Romance

Max Mara’s commitment to exceptional tailoring was evident throughout the collection, but for Fall/Winter 2025, Griffiths reimagined this signature style with hints of rugged, romantic charm. The redingote, a standout piece, was reinterpreted in leather and shearling, creating a beautiful paradox between practicality and softness. It felt as if the wearer might step out of the sleek, polished world of high society and into the wild, untamed landscapes of Wuthering Heights. Each tailored coat, whether military-inspired or with modern updates like bomber jacket ribbing, was a testament to the strength of the modern woman who is, in her own right, a heroine.

The collection’s subtle and rich textures further enhanced its timeless appeal. Luxurious fabrics like cashmere and feather-light worsteds contrasted with military-inspired utilitarian coats and practical outerwear, which conveyed the complexity of the wearer’s character. Whether it's a beautifully tailored wool coat or an oversized, enveloping clutch coat, every piece reflected the duality of being both strong and sensual, practical yet romantic.

An Evening of Velvet and Tulle: The Heroine Transformed

As night fell on the runway, Max Mara’s heroine was ready for transformation. Velvet gowns, including striking black eveningwear, emerged—romantic yet structured, with boned bodices and sleek cuts that captured both refinement and sensuality. These pieces felt cinematic, as if pulled from a Victorian novel yet updated with modern silhouettes. The drama of the collection heightened as rich colors, such as deep black and a custom “Cascia” gray, became more prominent, like a stormy sky at dusk.

But it wasn’t just the eveningwear that spoke to the collection’s emotional heart. Layered knits—some inspired by Victorian bodices—provided a delicate balance to the sharper elements of the collection, creating a sense of femininity without sacrificing strength. Every look echoed a story, from the softly flowing skirts and dramatic capes to the structured, knee-high boots and oversized woolen parkas.

The Colors of the Moors: A Palette of Strength and Subtlety

Drawing from the somber beauty of the Yorkshire moors, Max Mara introduced a unique color palette for the season. The custom hue Cascia, a cool, stormy gray, became the anchor of the collection, reflecting the shifting skies and windswept landscapes that shaped the Brontë sisters’ stories. It was complemented by berry reds, moss greens, and deep earth tones that gave depth to the collection’s outerwear, skirts, and coats. These colors were further enriched by delicate knits in subtle blues, purples, and light neutrals, evoking the mist and mystery of the Brontë countryside.

The juxtaposition of muted hues with the occasional flash of bold color—like a rich madder red coat or a deep, passionate berry velvet dress—offered a nod to the passions simmering beneath the surface of these complex heroines. The contrast was dynamic, evoking the internal struggles between the quiet restraint of Jane Eyre and the wild passions of Catherine Earnshaw.

Modern, Yet Timeless: The Max Mara Heroine

What stands out in Untamed Heroine is Griffiths’ ability to marry history with modernity. The collection is as much about emotional depth as it is about high-end craftsmanship. The Victorian influences—structured wool coats, elegant skirts, and voluminous, dramatic capes—are met with updated techniques and fabrics that give each piece a fresh, contemporary edge. The result? A collection that feels both timeless and timely, capturing the essence of a woman who is both forward-thinking and steeped in the past.

Max Mara’s 2025 Fall/Winter show ultimately pays tribute to the quiet strength and emotional complexity of the modern woman. Through his deft tailoring, masterful use of color, and refined textures, Griffiths has created a collection that not only speaks to the aesthetic of the Brontë heroines but also to the inner spirit of women today: bold, empowered, and never afraid to embrace their untamed sides.

This is the collection for the modern romantic who knows when to wield her strength and when to surrender to the passions that make her human. Max Mara’s Untamed Heroine is a call to arms for every woman to embrace her contradictions—her strength, her vulnerability, and the beauty of both.