Give a woman the right jacket, and she can conquer anything
Max Mara spotlights the quiet power of its signature Olimpia jacket
By John Legaspi
Cat Arambulo, Cristalle Belo, and Grace Barbers-Baja
One thing about fashion is that its power goes beyond appearance. Of course, it does not hold all the solutions to life’s problems. But having the right pieces—items that resonate with you—is often enough to boost our confidence to push through whatever life may throw at us.
That is something Max Mara understands best: creating garments that women will desire, wear, and ultimately live in. For the season, it puts the spotlight on its Olimpia jacket, a time-honored piece that reflects the brand’s stance on quality and women-forward design.
Olimpia jacket (Photo from Max Mara)
There is an undeniable power that comes from a well-crafted blazer-style jacket. In the case of the Olimpia jacket, women can think of it as modern armor. With its name alluding to Greek mythology, the piece calls on women to be heroes in their own right, reminding them that they can be extraordinary. Made of pure lightweight camel hair, the double-breasted jacket stands out for its broad shoulders and oversized yet straight silhouette.
During its launch in the Philippines on March 19, 2026, at Max Mara’s store in Greenbelt 3, the brand explored the language of the jacket quite literally by giving each piece a term that best encapsulates the spirit of its design. A cropped jacket is defined as “movefreeness,” a state of absolute freedom. “Futurebuilder” is used for a seafoam power suit. A double-breasted piece in black is described as “Remarkablessence,” which signifies authenticity and defiance of conformity. Lastly, “Unperfectness,” a term for serene beauty and a natural state, is assigned to a classic camel jacket.
To help convey these messages, Max Mara tapped women leaders Cat Arambulo, Cristalle Belo, and Grace Barbers-Baja, who embodied the brand’s modern interpretation of strength, elegance, and individuality. Each of them showcased key pieces from the collection, highlighting how the jackets translate abstract concepts into wearable expressions of identity.
“The Olimpia jacket is remarkable, just like the women who wear it—women who leave their mark, are true to their values, and focus daily on defining themselves rather than chasing unattainable perfection,” said creative director Ian Griffiths. “It frames your character, helps you reach your goals, and boosts your confidence. Some women, regardless of age, social class, or physical appearance, command attention when they walk into a room. They are remarkable women, and the Olimpia jacket is made for them.”