Today, MAX ZARA STERCK revealed her new SS’25 collection, “TO KALI,” at Amsterdam Fashion Week. Admired as the goddess of death and rebirth, Kali urges us to let go of what no longer serves us, creating space for what truly matters. For Max Zara, this embodies the importance of craftsmanship and freedom of expression through movement. “TO KALI,”underscores the necessity of destruction in times of challenge.
Max Zara’s experience as a dancer made her partnership with the Dutch National Opera & Ballet a seamless fit. Inspired by the female form in motion, she emphasises the synergy between design and the body’s flow. For Max Zara, the focus is not merely on the appearance of clothes in editorials or on runways but on their movement, feel, and emotional resonance. The Dutch National Opera & Ballet served as the perfect venue to unveil Max Zara’s SS’25 collection, where these elements beautifully converged.
Upon entering the building, guests were invited backstage at the opera house, into the sewing room where seamstresses, pattern makers, and designers brought creations to life mere minutes before. On the tables, black-and-white posters of MAX ZARA STERCK garments were displayed, emphasising the importance Max Zara places on craftsmanship and the creative process behind her collection. Afterwards, guests were seated on small stools scattered around the room, each one topped with a pink crystal, symbolising the spiritual and emotional journey we were about to witness.
The show opened in pitch blackness, with the solitary sound of a sewing machine piercing the silence. As the lights slowly came up, dancers appeared, clad in the garments depicted on the posters. Soon after, models followed, wearing Max Zara’s signature black-and-white designs, which transformed the wearer into a statuesque figure. Halfway through the show, dancers climbed onto the tables, letting their hair down and performing a dance resembling an offering. This marked the emergence of a new woman. Models re-entered the room, now donning sunglasses and exuding a newfound confidence, embodying the transformation that had just occurred. The collection symbolises letting go of old structures and embracing new, sustainable ways of working and living.
The colour palette of this show featured Max Zara’s signature black and white, complemented by bold red looks and a single denim combo, showcasing her ability to transform traditionally restrictive denim into a comfortable and wearable garment. Among all the striking pieces, the true standout was a black-and-white dress featuring a fitted, sleeveless bodice that sharply contrasted with a flared white skirt. The cut-out details on the sides accentuated the silhouette, while the voluminous skirt flowed gracefully as the model walked.
Max Zara’s SS’25 collection found the designer reflecting on her emotional well-being whilst juggling multiple roles within her brand, realising the destructive nature of trying to control and losing herself in the process. With this collection, Max Zara looked inwards and found inspiration in the goddess Kali to break patterns and communicate the intensity and beauty of destruction.
Although “TO KALI” originated from a deeply personal viewpoint, Max Zara skilfully addressed universal themes of destruction and transformation, translating them into a collection that resonated with everyone. The storytelling within the show acted as a call to focus on what truly energises us and served as a reminder to restructure when pressures become overwhelming. The energy and emotion of the show created a truly unique experience, allowing the designer to connect with all of us.
Words by Ines Lopes
Images by Katerina Bezede via YOUNG / The Agency
