The historic Reggia di Caserta, a former royal palace located about 23 miles from Naples and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will host Max Mara’s Resort 2026 collection on June 17. Built in the 18th century by the House of Bourbon – Two Scilies as the residence for the Kings of Naples, the palace represents a refined blend of Baroque and Neoclassical grandeur. Spanning five floors and housing 1,200 rooms, the estate also includes a theater modeled after Naples’ famed San Carlo an expansive 120 – hectare park designed in the style of Versailles. The venue’s historic significance and architectural splendor provides ita fitting stage for a collection that fuses modern fashion with regal heritage.
A Royal Venue Reimagined
Max Mara’s decision to showcase its Resort 2026 collection at Caserta aligns with the brand’s legacy of selecting culturally and architecturally rich locations for its resort presentations. The show coincides with the opening of Pitti Uomo in Florence (June 17 – 20) and precedes the Spring 2026 men’s shows in Milan (June 20 – 24), reinforcing Max Mara’s presence within the broader global fashion dialogue.
The palace’s history as the official residence of the Bourbon monarchy adds a layer of depth to the collection’s setting. With its vast halls, intricate frescos, and sweeping gardens, Caserta Royal Palace is more than a backdrop – it becomes part of the story Max Mara seeks to tell.
A Tradition of Iconic Destinations
For years, Max Mara has demonstrated a knee eye for locations that merge history with contemporary fashion. Last year, the Resort 2025 collection was unveiled at Venice’s Palazzo Ducale, a symbol of Venetian grandeur, while the previous season’s show took place Stockholm’s City Hall – a 1911 landmark famed for its red – brick façade and for hosting the Noble Prize ceremonies.
This event marks the second time Max Mara has ventured into southern Italy for a Resort presentation. In 2021, the brand selected the Mezzatorre Hotel on the island of Ischia, transforming a 16th-century watchtower into a dramatic runway setting with sweeping views of the Gulf of Naples. Beyond Italy, Max Mara’s Resort collection traveled across global capitals, with past shows held in New York, London, Shanghai, Berlin, and Lisbon, where the event was staged in the gardens of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation.
The Future of Destination Show
As luxury brands continue to intertwine fashion with location, the upcoming season promises a series of high – profile destination presentation. Moncler will unveil its Fall 2025 collection in Courchevel on March 15, followed by Pucci’s show in Portofino on April 4. Dior’s Pre-Fall collection is set for April 15 in the garden of To-ji Temple in Kyoto, while Chanel Cruise will take over the shores of Lake Como on April 29. Gucci Cruise is slated for May 15 in Florence, despite recent creative shifts, while Louis Vuitton Cruise will take place on May 22 at a still – undisclosed location in France. The season will conclude with Dior Cruise in Rome on May 27.
A Dialogue Between Past and Present
Max Mara’s choice of the Caserta Royal Palace signals more than just an appreciation for historical grandeur – it represents a vision where past and present exist in seamless dialogue. Fashion, like architecture, is a reflection of time, constantly evolving while honoring its foundations. By presenting its Resort 2026 collection in such an emblematic setting, Max Mara continues to affirm its place within this ongoing narrative, proving that fashion is not merely about garments, but about the stories they tell.
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DASSARIS Editorial series: Fashion Thought
