Phantasie: The New Weekend Max Mara Signature Collection by Arthur Arbesser.

For Phantasie, the new Weekend Max Mara Signature Collection for Spring/ Summer 2024, multi-faceted Viennese designer Arthur Arbesser is inspired by fantasy and his home city, Vienna.

Born and raised in the Austrian capital, Arbesser was deeply immersed in the city’s cultural riches, regularly attending theatre performances, ballet and opera. Already as a child, he was intrigued by the power of each character and their costumes which kindled his inspiration for this collection: the Secession art movement of the early 1900s with its winds of change and the freedom of movement typical of dance clothes that underscores a sense of liberty, and comfort in full compliance with the Weekend Max Mara values.

Today his creativity fans out into diverse areas: fashion, costume, interiors and design.

“Vienna has an extremely strong influence on me: a certain severity, clear, precise lines and a kind of discipline that is mixed with something softer and lighter. The idea was to give full blossom to this unique legacy in the Weekend Max Mara Signature project.” Arthur Arbesser.

Chic and self-confident, glam but casual, feminine, and fun – this is the woman Arbesser imagines.

The spotlight shines on fluid or deconstructed silhouettes. Buoyant prints play a lead role, especially the bright and bold motifs that replicate an oil painting by Arbesser. Checks and stripes nod to Viennese modernism and lively tiles, at times enriched with lace inserts for a patchwork effect.

Dresses and skirts are full, fun and flouncy while athleisure pieces channel that typical after-rehearsal nonchalance elevated by a luxe feel.

Conversely, solid or striped jackets, shirts and pants draw from the world of uniforms and workwear. Ditto for a trench coat with a utility-inspired canvas collar.

The palette includes timeless or vivid colours, touches of royal blue, mint, aubergine and a flash of sparkle, rendered in fresh materials such as cotton poplin and silk.

The accessories include different evening versions for the iconic Pasticcino Bag, airy plimsolls, and a new bucket hat.

A preview of Phantasie, Arthur Arbesser’s signature collection for Weekend Max Mara, will be presented on September 20 during Milan Fashion Week.