During Milan Fashion Week on February 25 (local time), Weekend Max Mara presented its 2026 fall/winter signature collection, "Into the Forest: A Weekend with Robert Rabensteiner."
The collection embodies the fusion of two contrasting worlds: the tranquility of the Alps and city nights filled with cultural events. Born from a collaboration with stylist and former L'Uomo Vogue editor-at-large Robert Rabensteiner — one of the most influential figures in menswear — the collection reflects his signature style of eclectic elegance and effortless sophistication.
"Into the Forest: A Weekend with Robert Rabensteiner" is a carefully curated lifestyle collection for a woman who moves seamlessly between the quiet of the mountains and the cultural energy of historic cities. Rooted in the understated elegance of alpine tradition, the collection weaves in elements reflecting Rabensteiner's own roots. Its protagonist is an intellectually curious woman who embraces nature in all its forms — hiking through forests, riding motorcycles, or traveling by camper van.
"The first image that came to mind was a woman hosting her friends at a beautifully set table in the middle of the forest. To me, that is the most elegant thing you can do. The collection blends masculine and feminine, adding a modern touch to very classic pieces," says Roberto.
The collection draws on the classic elegance and durability of traditional Austrian alpine coats. From that starting point, three iconic elements are reinterpreted in a contemporary way: texture (the iconic melange fabric), form (the aesthetics of cup sleeves and inverted pleats), and a green-dominant color palette. The melange fabric is also reflected in the new Pasticcino bag. Rabensteiner layers folklore, workwear, hiking style, and evening glamour to complete his distinctive vision.
Felted wool serves as a key material running throughout the collection, expressed in cropped coats with inverted box pleats, hand-sewn double wool coats in red and blue, and modern jacket-and-trouser sets. Hand-sewn double wool cloth acts as a "fil rouge" connecting outerwear to dressier pieces, appearing in tent-silhouette capes, soft-shoulder bomber jackets, and minimal shift dresses. Slim dresses, full midi skirts, straight-leg trousers, silk camisoles, and authentic fisherman's sweaters complete the looks.
The color palette centers on green, navy, pale blue, and chestnut brown, with accents of red, purple, and curry yellow. Materials include sturdy cotton, Irish wool, leather, and luxurious details in velvet and silk.
Accessories play an essential role in completing the world of the collection. The Pasticcino bag is offered in leather, melange-effect suede, and velvet, alongside velvet evening slippers, buckle boots, hiking-inspired performance booties, fedora hats, long cashmere gloves, and printed silk scarves.
Beyond a mere fusion of styles, the collection proposes an intelligent wardrobe of essentials that can shift seamlessly from reflective time in nature to the cultural energy of the city. Every piece carries a dual nature, maintaining an unshakeable elegance with each added layer.
