Weekend Max Mara found itself in the ancient imperial capital of Kyoto to officiate the global launch of the new Pasticcino Bag “Treasures of Japan” collection—featuring perfectly-crafted bags made by Kyoto’s most respected artisans.
Held on 22 May, the culmination of the event was an intimate dinner hosted by Nicola Gerber Maramotti, Max Mara's consumer channel director, at the Chishakuin Temple. This vibrant centre of Buddhist training, devotion, and community engagement served as a truly unique and special setting for the evening's festivities. The cool spring air set the tone for the intimate affair where an open-air dining hall overlooked a serene lake set against a perfectly manicured garden.
At dinner, Maramotti gave a casual welcome speech which was followed by a curated Japanese dinner of seasonal offerings. And just before the night came to a close, guests were treated to a surprise dance performance by local geishas.
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The evening brought together guests from all over the world to celebrate the exquisite craftsmanship and rich cultural heritage of Japan, all woven into the stunning Pasticcino Bag collection. Among the line-up of celebrated faces were American actresses Olivia Holt, Abigail Cowen and Kiernan Shipka, as well as K-pop star Coco Lee, and Japan’s favourite twin music duo, AMIAYA.
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ARTISANAL CRAFTSMANSHIP
The aptly named Pasticcino Bag, Italian for "small pastry," first charmed the fashion world in 2016. This playful clutch perfectly balances its sweet nature with a strong, statement-making presence. Drawing inspiration from vintage silhouettes, the Pasticcino boasts an unstructured design and oversized metal spheres personalised with the Weekend Max Mara logo and a delicate butterfly—a signature house emblem.
Rendered in a delightful array of colours, patterns, and textures, this versatile bag is the perfect companion for relaxed weekends, nights on the town, or simply an afternoon tipple. Its soft volume, oversized clasp, and ever-evolving look make it an instant mood booster and a delectable treat for the eyes.
Since fall/winter 2022, the Pasticcino Bag has embarked on a remarkable global odyssey, each stop highlighting the exceptional craftsmanship and unique cultural heritage of a chosen destination. The first stop was Venice, where the Pasticcino Bag Modello Venezia edition paid homage to the city's glorious history in textiles and glass-making. Sumptuous Fortuny fabrics, crafted on the island of Giudecca using Mariano Fortuny's original machines since 1922, adorned the bag, while colourful glass beads from the celebrated Murano artisans Gambaro & Tagliapietra added a touch of Venetian flair.
Next, the Pasticcino Bag Hommage à la France landed in Paris. Here, the bag transformed into a celebration of delicate French artistry. Master Dentellier André Laude, a renowned purveyor of Guipure lace since 1850, contributed his exquisite, handcrafted lace, while the historic Manufacture des Emaux de Longwy 1798, a prestigious French Living Heritage Company, fashioned the bag's signature boules in a unique ceramic called Faïence.
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TREASURES OF JAPAN
Steeped in history stretching back over 1,200 years, Kyoto offered the perfect backdrop for the third leg of the Pasticcino World Tour, which pays homage to Japan's rich tapestry of textiles and the art of kimonos.
The Italian fashion house collaborated with revered Kyoto-based fabric manufacturer, Kawashima Selkon Textiles, which was established in 1843. These exquisite bags are crafted with sumptuous silk jacquards culled from Kawashima's historical archives. These exceptional fabrics, traditionally used for obis, formalwear, and luxurious interior textiles, imbue the Pasticcino with a touch of Japanese elegance.
The signature boule clasps are another nod to Japanese craftsmanship, meticulously handmade by artisans from Bottega Nakamori-Kumihimo, an exclusive partner of “Ando Corporation.” Established in 1927, this Bottega has specialised in crafting obijime and haori cords for generations, ensuring each clasp is a unique work of art.
Get ready to covet these exquisite pieces. The "Treasures of Japan" collection will be available starting from June 2024 in six variants and two sizes. Each bag is a work of art, made with luxurious fabrics. Delicate pastels, matte golds, rich rusts, and warm caramels come together in unique patterns.
Every one of them tells a story: A soft pink floral pattern whispers of new beginnings and life; flowers and birds dance in beautiful swirls, creating a stunning effect; an imperial-inspired motif, echoing a design from 1905, adds a touch of grandeur; and a bouquet of peonies, roses, and buttercups brings a sense of delicate beauty with a touch of opulence.
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KAWAII TWIN POWER
The playful spirit of the bag is perfectly captured by its campaign shot in Japan. Lensed by photographer Marco Imperatore, the campaign features pink-haired fashion icons AMIAYA, twin model-DJs known for their vibrant energy and matching outfits. Their presence perfectly embodies the youthful energy and bold style of the Pasticcino Bag Treasures of Japan collection.