Designer Flash

HR: But doesn't every brand still want to be cool?

IG: Absolutely. And my mission is to translate our look for a younger customer who has a less formal dress code without sacrificing quality. Regardless of the climate, people always respond positively to quality. Max Mara is where a young woman comes when she wants to tell people she has made it. We've always empowered women. And these days, that means an awful lot.

HR: The hallmark of the brand has always been incredible outerwear. Your coats are so sumptuous you could sleep in them.

IG: The coat is the staple of any woman's wardrobe. It's almost like architecture because it is a statement that defines how a woman wants to present herself to the world. So a coat has to radiate prestige, functionality, beauty and ease. And most appealing of all, it should be timeless.

HR: Perhaps that's what originally drew me to Gabriel. What is now labeled 'fashion jewelry' is expensive but it looks of the moment and disposable. Jewelry should be forever.

IG: Exactly. Like Gabriel jewelry, Max Mara is not cheap, but it's an accessible luxury that you can enjoy every day. We both create pieces that are recognizable with a twist so that they have distinction rather than oddity. I think the best example I have of that is that years ago I had a coat made for my mother, which she later gave to my sister, and now my niece wears it. Three generations wearing the same beautiful coat with pride. That's why you never find Max Mara in vintage shops.

HR: And that's just how we feel about fine jewelry. Our tag line is 'Fine Jewelry Everyday' but that every day last forever because no one ever discards of diamonds. They become part of your wardrobe, your history and your life.

IG: Your pieces are effortlessly beautiful like our clothes. In fact, I think your slogan is such a great one, if you hadn't used it we would have stolen it.