Inspired by the work of Florine Stettheimer, the Italian house gives its now-classic bag an artfully colourful makeover

What happens when the worlds of fashion and architecture collide? Max Mara&rsquo;s Whitney Bag, that&rsquo;s what. Launched in 2015 to mark the re-opening of the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York, the eponymous handbag is the fruit of a collaboration between creative director <a href="https://www.lofficielsingapore.com/fashion/to-the-max-ian-griffiths-on-max-mara-s-spring-summer-2020-collection">Ian Griffiths</a> and the Renzo Piano Building Workshop. This year, as the cult design celebrates its fifth birthday, Max Mara adds a touch of art into the mix as well, introducing a special anniversary edition dedicated to the modernist painter Florine Stettheimer.

1.jpg

Artist, feminist, poet and activist ante-litteram, Stettheimer was a trailblazer in her own right (she is credited with painting the first female nude self-portrait), whose works were characterised by vivid colours, a purposeful naivet&eacute;, and a whimsical sense of humour. Her vibrant 1931 work Sun, in particular, serves as the afflatus for the refreshed Whitney Bag.

2.jpg

The key elements of the original are preserved: the architectural silhouette, the short but stout top handles, the snap hook, and the distinctive ribbing that runs vertically down the exterior, recalling the tie-beamed fa&ccedil;ade of its namesake museum. But the latest iteration also features a floral-printed lining and five new Sun-inspired colourways &ndash; soft red, dusty pink, buttercup yellow, tangerine, and rich purple.

3.jpg

4.jpg

5.jpg

When the Whitney Bag made its debut back in 2015, Griffiths remarked that he hoped in 20 years the bag would be as much of an icon as the museum itself, and judging from the first five, it&rsquo;s safe to say that&rsquo;s a given.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The 5th anniversary Whitney Bag&nbsp;will be available in stores by mid-April

High Five: Max Mara Celebrates Five Years Of The Whitney Bag

High Five: Max Mara Celebrates Five Years Of The Whitney Bag

Tags

Related Articles

Fashion

Max Mara Takes Sustainability To The Next Level With Its Cameluxe Initiative

Fashion

To The Max: Ian Griffiths On Max Mara's Spring/Summer 2020 Collection

Fashion

Into The Wild Blue Yonder: Max Mara Heads Out To Sea For Fall 2020

Recommended posts for you

Beauty

How to Translate the 'Clean Goth' Fashion Trend to Your Beauty Routine

Fashion

BLACKPINK's Jennie's Best Airport Fashion Moments So Far

Fashion

The Dior Caro Backpack: A Modern Icon in the Making

Fashion

Cover Story: Baifern is Going Full Speed in Life

Fashion

Ariana Grande Takes You to A Glamorous Holiday Party with Swarovski

Fashion

Cover Story: Enter the Enchanted Woods with Actress, Kim Min-ha

Fashion

All The Highlights from the CFDA Fashion Awards 2024

Fashion

Seek Ultra-Chic, Trendy Inspiration From Pop Culture For Your 2024 Halloween Costume