Weekend Max Mara
South Coast Plaza can add another feather to its cap with this one: MaxMara, the luxe brand known for sleek coats and Italian polish, chose the Costa Mesa shopping center as the very first spot for an American outpost of its Weekend brand. Described as a more laid-back, relaxed, and loose label, Weekend was previously only available at high-end department stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale’s.
The new store, which is about 1,500 square feet, is on the first floor of the shopping center, rubbing shoulders with boho shop Free People and natural beauty brand Aveda. The South Coast Plaza location houses the entire breadth of Weekend Max Mara, which includes women’s ready-to-wear, accessories, and shoes. It’s an airy, modern space with modular fixtures, warm woods, and midcentuery-inspired furnishings that fit right in with the feel of a weekend getaway. While its sister brand is known for its über-luxe down coats, double-faced cashmere, and supple leather bags, Weekend shoppers will find plenty of linen, flowing tunics, and open knits. But it’s not all lounge wear. The line also offers party-ready dresses, midi skirts, and a cigarette pants. After all, there’s plenty of socializing to be done on the weekend.
The South Coast Plaza location is the only place you’ll find the brand’s Pasticcino bag, a puffy oversized clutch that boasts an exaggerated clasp. The name comes from the Italian word for pastry and it’s just as sweet as it sounds.
While it may be a novel concept stateside, Max Mara operates 190 Weekend stores around the globe. Previously, Max Mara had a Max&Co. location at South Coast Plaza. It was focused on contemporary fashion and closed in the aughts.
