Instead of just taking inspiration from artwork, Max Mara mixes two of the hottest ideas in the industry  – wearable art and instant off-the-runway shopping. Chinese artist Liu Wei’s themes of cultural anxiety formed into site-specific installations got a fashion makeover courtesy of the Italian brand, who showed MaxMara Monopolis! With eleven see now, buy now pieces as part of their Pre Fall 2017 runway in Shanghai last week. Transporting Wei’s cartographical imagery into garments made for an interesting mix with Max Mara’s heritage luxury.

The Liu Wei x Max Mara long dress in pure silk crêpe de Chine

The capsule collection includes eyewear, mohair sweaters and some of the most cosy-looking outerwear – just in time for the most luxurious last-minute Christmas present you can think of. Alpaca wools and mohairs mix with silks and jacquards for a great variety of cold-appropriate looks that will get you over the milestone of 2016 in style. Our favourite piece? It must be the graphic column dress that will make for the chicest holiday dress of the party. Who needs sequins when you’ve got Liu Wei’s artwork?

The Max Mara Monopolis! x Liu Wei capsule collection is available to buy from gb.maxmara.com/monopolis.

Text by Dino Bonacic