Are you prepared to spend big bucks for luxury fashion? Especially in the current economic downturn? Just don’t ask the posh people at Max Mara, where its biggest store in Asia has recently opened. Offering all of the brand’s sub-collections under one roof, the most arresting – in terms of design and price tag (above RM4,000) – is the Piano Forte Elegante line of eveningwear. Definitely not for the faint hearted, especially if you’re paying premium prices for the dresses’ impeccable finishing, embroideries, and tailoring construction – all using expensive fabrics like duchess satin, silk and fur.

Don’t have the cash to make a big splash? Still be prepared to pay over RM1,000 for a fey-looking top from the Weekend line which I spotted; it has dainty floral prints and is made from delicate silk-chiffon-like material. Other lines, such as the more vibrant ‘S MM; the athletic Sportmax Code; the street-inspired Sportmax; the silhouette-focused Studi”; and the more formal Max Mara are worthy of your attention (and wallet). Besides the designs, they carry the ‘Made in Italy’ label prominently stitched on the clothes and accessories like a badge of honour. Also justifying the high prices is that all fabrics used are made specifically for Max Mara. Silk and jersey materials are used every season for all the aforementioned collections. However, don’t hold your breath for It-items; the brand doesn’t believe in flavour-of-the-season styles but prefers to offer classic designs overall.

Regardless of the large 3,700-square-foot store space, it feels comfortable perusing the racks. The sales staff are friendly and will gladly give you a run-through of the season’s offerings. The store’s good service extends to offering a VIP room which all customers (and not only VIPs) can use for privacy during fittings. The room is equipped with an Italian coffee machine for more of that personal touch, and a private seamstress is made available for free alteration services (taking three days to a week).

Free delivery can also be made within the Klang Valley upon request and availability of products. If the size of something you fancy is not available, the store can make a special order for you. Waiting time is less than two weeks. There are also tentative plans to offer discount for purchases made in March using the CIMB and Amex Platinum credit cards. With so much to see and spend – what with the high prices – beware of not overheating the plastics in your wallet. Tan Hee Hui

Max Mara 3.30 & 3.31, Level 3, Pavilion KL, Jalan Bukit Bintang (03 2148 2822). Open daily, 10am-10pm.

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