‘Sportmax, 50 Years of Fashion’ by Luke Leitch
Edited by Olivier Saillard, published by Assouline
Achille Maramotti founded Max Mara in 1951, and in 1969 the fashion entrepreneur launched Sportmax, defined by its tailoring and experimentation. The brand was initially inspired by American sportswear and the spirit of the Swinging Sixties in London.
Sportmax’s iconic pieces include flowing dresses, trench coats and leather garments, as well as knitwear, with special patterns and finishes. Graphic colours, pleating and ‘unbound’ tailoring are other design signatures.
This new book shows how the brand evolved season by season and constantly focused on research to develop advanced textiles technologies while holding true to the roots of its Italian manufacturing traditions.
Campaign images by photographers ranging from Sarah Moon to Peter Lindbergh, as well as Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin, Mert & Marcus and David Sims, are included.
In 1983 Laura Lusuardi left the brand in the hands of Grazia Malagoli, who is still its Fashion Director. Malagoli comments: “We began to work with graduates fresh out of the Royal College of London because we wanted a young, fresh influence in designing the collection. Sportmax is a creative incubator, in which the design sensitivity of new talents is aligned to the company’s textiles know-how.”
‘Sportmax, 50 Years of Fashion’ by Luke Leitch
Edited by Olivier Saillard, published by Assouline
The Latest
Uniting Culture, History and Cuisine
In the heart of Sharjah, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi reimagines the meaning of home through a soulful, sensory experience inspired by the Silk Road
In Perfect Harmony
Saya Studio has completed a music room that reflects contemporary eclecticism
Wabi-Sabi Sanctuary
Japanese aesthetics, fashion influences and nature meet in the Portland home of interior designer Jeanne Feldkamp
A Surreal Tribute
“Water, salt and olive oil. That’s what it takes to survive,” says designer Philippe Starck, who created the new La Almazara olive oil museum outside Ronda, Spain
Big and Quiet
The new Dyson Purifier Big+Quiet Formaldehyde BP03 is perfect for open-plan spaces
Bridging the Past, Present and Future
Ignacio Gomez, Global Design Principal at Aedas reflects on the firm’s two decades in the Middle East
At Home with: Ahmed A. Sultan
Step into Ahmed A. Sultan’s contemporary retreat shaped by space, light, and emotion
Sharjah Architecture Triennial 2026 – Curators Announced
Sharjah Architecture Triennial (SAT) announces Vyjayanthi Rao as curator of its third edition (SAT03), joined by Tau Tavengwa as associate curator.
Framed Allure
Architecture meets art at this stunning villa on the Palm Jumeirah
Highlights from Salone del Mobile.Milano 2025
Here’s a recap of the new and notable novelties and exhibits at Salone del Mobile.Milano and Fuorisalone
An insider’s guide to Downtown Design Riyadh
Here’s what to look out for at the Kingdom’s first fair for original and high-quality contemporary design, running from 20 to 23 May 2025
Maison&Objet hosts Women&Design Dinner in Dubai
The dinner was the first of its kind in the Middle East that connected female industry professionals