Why has the sailor theme been around so long? Elegant, sporty, and fresh, sailor stripes can be worn in almost every season. A masculine genre, it still looks great on confident women who prefer comfort over frivolous trends. But what is really enticing about the mariner theme itself, is that it conjures a spirit of travel, new beginnings, and escapism.  

This is the air that emanated from the Max Mara runway, as the brand unfurled its Spring/Summer women's collection this morning, drenched in a spray of ship cords and tinseled stripes, taking the motif to a new dimension.

In what was one of Max Mara's most upbeat shows in a while, star patterns replaced Max Mara's celebrated houndstooth print – reminding us of the starry sky maps that led ancient explorers to new worlds. Sketches inspired by artist and writer Jean Cocteau infused the collection with the sort of French charm that is the foundation of so many evergreen fashion ensembles. 

High-waisted pants and skirts adorned with polished buttons and canvas matelot pants possessed an air of ambition. Looks were tomboyish, but still celebrated the graceful contours of the female body. 

DJ Johnny Dynell’s interpretations of old sailor songs like "What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor" and Jacques Brel's "Amsterdam," an animated mise-en-scène illustrated by Brian Grimwood paid tribute to sea tales of old: Sinbad the Sailor, Bluebeard, and the biblical tale of Jonah and the Whale.

Grimwood's illustrations appear on the season's tees, duffel bags, and Max Mara's JBAG – all sure to be iconic archive items.