EXCLUSIVE: Max Collins is Living Her Dream with Her First Global Fashion Week 

EXCLUSIVE: Max Collins is Living Her Dream with Her First Global Fashion Week 

By

From the intimacy of Milan to the whirlwind of Paris, Max Collins stepped into her first Fashion Week as she navigated between luxury shows and famed names

Max Collins was living the dream, or maybe several dreams, when she found herself at Milan and Paris Fashion Week, sitting among the industry’s elite, watching the models, the luxury, and the magic all unfold before her eyes. As someone who grew up watching the magnificence of these events on TV, the actress never imagined she’d be part of it herself—until she was there, in the flesh, witnessing the shows she once admired from afar.

RELATED: Heart Evangelista and Anne Curtis Made a Striking Statement at the Louis Vuitton S/S25 Show

“I was in awe,” she recalls, still in a bit of disbelief. “Watching the Paris and Milan shows as a kid, I never thought I’d see the collections up close like this. The fun of the fashion scene itself was something to marvel at. Being seated in the front row next to people I admire, watching models pass in the most luxurious outfits—it honestly felt surreal.” There’s a kind of glamour that remains when she speaks about those moments as if the memory of them is still draped in couture.

mega max collins milan paris fashion week pfw mfw louis vuitton ss25 dion trinidad
Max Collins

Milan: Intimate Glamour

While Milan exudes a warmth—both in climate and mood—that wraps you in its embrace, Collins found herself caught up in the romantic exuberance of the city. “Milan Fashion Week felt more intimate,” she says. “There was this sense of calm, the weather was warm, and the showgoers opted for more relaxed or sexy silhouettes. There’s something about Milan that felt like the glamour was effortless. It was everywhere.”

mega max collins milan paris fashion week pfw mfw louis vuitton ss25 dion trinidad
Collins in Milan

She describes her first show, Bally S/S25, as a highlight, set against the backdrop of the 16th-century cloisters of San Simpliciano Basilica. “The setting itself added an element of romance to the collection,” she muses. “I saw whimsical prints and pastel palettes paired with structured pieces in dark tones. I fell in love with the seemingly exaggerated, curved lines of the silhouettes.” Like the beautiful metallic details that were found throughout the collection, Milan was an affair wrapped in fashion, where even the smallest details caught her eye.

Paris: Beautiful Chaos

But it was Paris that truly pushed Collins out of her comfort zone. The city, in all its frenetic energy, left a different impression. “Paris was intense,” she says, describing the whirlwind of events. It was this constant hustle—running from one show to the next, changing looks in the van as she sped through the city. It was chaotic, but in the best way.

mega max collins milan paris fashion week pfw mfw louis vuitton ss25 dion trinidad
Collins in Paris

She recounts her time at Golden Goose, which felt less like a show and more like theater. “It was held at Elysée Montmartre, a party venue. The whole event was a spectacle—a movie started the show, with the lead actress right there on stage. It was almost like we were following her journey through different styles along the way. From streetwear to preppy fits to glamorous looks, Golden Goose showcased such an inclusive collection, leaving no one behind.”

mega max collins milan paris fashion week pfw mfw louis vuitton ss25 dion trinidad
The actress imbibed the classic Louis Vuitton look for her shoot in Paris

The fashion in Paris, much like the city itself, had an edge. Collins’ own looks for her Paris shoot represented that classic French chic: red lips, clean lines, and timeless silhouettes, which, for the actress, “is very Louis Vuitton”. She continues, “My looks for this shoot felt to me like they imbibed the fashion we saw in Paris.”

A Louis Vuitton Pinch-Me Moment

Fashion Week wasn’t without its ‘pinch me’ moments. One, in particular, stands out—shooting in front of the Louis Vuitton Hotel in Paris. “I was in head-to-toe Louis Vuitton, shooting three different looks with [photographer] Dion Trinidad. I remember thinking, ‘Little Max would be so proud right now.’”

mega max collins milan paris fashion week pfw mfw louis vuitton ss25 dion trinidad
Collins resonated with Louis Vuitton’s S/S25 collection

As someone who’s always been drawn to the contrast of powerful yet soft styles, Collins found herself resonating with Louis Vuitton’s S/S25 collection. “I grew up with Louis Vuitton,” she shares. Thus, she was mesmerized by Nicolas Ghesquiere’s recent work. “There was an immense feeling of opulence and grandeur throughout the collection. What resonated most with my personal style were the ’80s power shoulders and suits—strong silhouettes combined with soft, feminine draping and fabrics, like the skinny silk scarves, for instance. The idea of the contrasting ideas playing harmoniously to embody what was described as ‘soft power’ is how I like to view my own style, albeit less extravagant, of course.”

mega max collins milan paris fashion week pfw mfw louis vuitton ss25 dion trinidad
‘Soft power’ is how the actress views her style

Her favorite accessory is the Louis Vuitton Neverfull Inside Out bag. “It suits my lifestyle so well. I’m always on the go, and I need something spacious and flexible in design. It’s been my go-to bag ever since.”

Finding Her Place in Fashion’s Biggest Rooms

Being surrounded by fashion heavy hitters might make anyone feel like they’re dreaming, and this was no different. “I couldn’t believe I was there,” Collins admits. “I think I had imposter syndrome at one point—it’s hard not to feel like you don’t belong when you’re sitting next to these icons. But then I reminded myself that I have every right to be here, to admire fashion and art alongside them.” By the end of the week, her initial amazement had given way to gentle assurance, as if the collections she viewed made her feel a little more accomplished in her place. 

mega max collins milan paris fashion week pfw mfw louis vuitton ss25 dion trinidad
Collins had to remind herself she had a right to be there amongst famed fashion names

Her giddy excitement was honest, particularly during moments when she rubbed shoulders with the likes of Lucky Blue Smith at Golden Goose (Collins is a fan of Nara Smith) or had “twinning moments” with content creator Bailey Taylor at Maje re-sees. Meeting DJ Ludovica Pagani in Milan and chatting with Willabelle Ong in Paris were highlights, too. “Everyone was so lovely,” she says. “It was such a pleasure meeting people from all over the world who share the same passion.”

The Runway, A Living Exhibit

For Collins, attending Fashion Week was like stepping into a living museum, where each collection was a piece of art. “I like to compare fashion week to visiting different art museums,” she explains. “You’re able to appreciate fashion more when you take the time to revel in its beauty.”

“Take every event as an opportunity to learn something new. Be resourceful. Reach out to brands and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Remember, fortune favors the bold.”

– Max Collins’ advice for those who dream of attending Fashion Week

She shares her advice for those dreaming of attending one day, just as she did:  “Have fun and take it all in. Reach out to brands, make new friends, and immerse yourself in the culture of wherever you are. If you can’t bring a team, bring a friend. It’s always more fun to share experiences with someone, especially someone who will support you and be your cheerleader.”

mega max collins milan paris fashion week pfw mfw louis vuitton ss25 dion trinidad
Max Collins achieved a dream: attended both Milan and Paris Fashion Week

Max Collins’ first Fashion Week experience may have felt like a dream, but with her passion and poise, she’s finding her place in this whirlwind world of fashion. And somewhere out there, little Max is smiling, knowing that she made this dream a reality.


Photographed by DION TRINIDAD, assisted by ADRIANNE KIARA. Styled by STEPH APARICI. Makeup by CLAUI MIRANDA. Hair by DARWIN SANCHEZ

Order your print copy of this month's MEGA Magazine:
Download this month's MEGA digital copy from:
Subscribe via [email protected]