Margherita Missoni talks about her inspirations for the MAX&Co. capsule collection

In its essence, the collection is a celebration of the joy of dressing up

By LENA KAMARUDIN - 2 Mar 2022

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Margherita Maccapani Missoni, daughter of Italy’s renowned fashion dynasty Missoni, is a born and bred Milanese woman. According to her, Milanese women have a very individualistic way of dressing up. And as a fashion designer, model, and heiress to her family’s fashion house, she embodies this characteristic through her eclectic, carefree and idiosyncratic style – one that comes naturally to her.

“I feel that what people perceive as bohemian is just my spontaneous aesthetic. I really don’t make an effort to come across that way,” she says.

Growing up, one of Margherita’s favourite places to shop at in Milan was MAX&Co., a contemporary extension of Italian fashion brand Max Mara. The 38-year-old recalls how shopping there represented an important step in her personal fashion choices as she entered adulthood. So, it comes as no surprise that MAX&Co. chose Margherita to launch its first-ever series of &Co.llaboration design partnerships, where established names and emerging talents in fashion reinterpret the brand’s design ethos.

Titled Shall We?, Margherita’s 35-piece capsule collection takes its cue from MAX&Co.’s ’90s archives and catalogues. Through her designs, Margherita hopes to encourage women to style versatile, everyday pieces in creative ways, such as wearing a parka as a dress. Daisies – coincidentally called “margherita” in Italian – also feature prominently in embroideries, appliques and prints.

Here, she tells us more about her inspiration, and how the collection is a celebration of the joy of dressing up.

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Shall We? flower applique cardigan

You referenced MAX&Co.’s archival ’90s catalogue for this collection. What really struck you during your research?

The short suit worn on bare skin was a big starting point for the collection, and a series of wrap- around foulard (a lightweight fabric made of rayon, silk or cotton) dresses was also key to the development.

Who are your fashion muses?

My real muses are actually the women around me – my friends, my mother, and my colleagues. I believe that real people give clothes a reason to exist.

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Shall We? lurex polo T-shirt

We know you love daisies. Why did you decide to include them in your designs?

I have been collecting daisies all my life. I feel it is the smiley emoji of flowers, and have been using it as a recurring theme in all my collections.

What are the easiest and most fuss-free pieces to wear?

The embroidered boyfriend shirt is chic yet nonchalant. The lurex polo shirts are also perfect laid-back evening basics.

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Shall We? Navy blue knit dress

You’re having a wardrobe crisis. What would you fall back on?

The navy blue knit dress (above) is simply wonderful. Just add a pair of big earrings and flat sandals and you’re ready to go.

How about the best investment in this collection?

The parka dress is a great investment because it will take you through several different occasions. When it’s buttoned- up, you can wear it as a dress paired with heels for a wedding. For a casual day out, [you can] layer it over a T-shirt and a pair of denims.
Shop Margherita's favourite pieces