Max Mara’s New Whitney Bag Takes Center Stage at the 2025 Whitney Gala

Max Mara is honoring a decade of architectural elegance with the return of one of its most iconic accessories: the Whitney Bag. First launched in 2015 to coincide with the opening of the Whitney Museum’s downtown New York City location, the handbag was born from a rare collaboration between the Italian fashion house and Renzo Piano—the architect behind the museum itself.

To celebrate the museum’s 10-year milestone, Max Mara unveiled a limited-edition reissue of the Whitney Bag, first presented during Salone del Mobile in Milan. Only 125 pieces will be released globally, each one signed, "Designed by Renzo Piano Building Workshop." The anniversary edition channels the building’s steel façade with sculptural metallic leather panels, while a red nappa leather lining introduces a surprising note of sensuality.

With 13 new colors—from ocean blue to powder pink—and six updated silhouettes, including a new five-ribbed version, the reissue cements the Whitney Bag’s status as both a fashion staple and a design object.

The tribute culminated at the annual Whitney Gala, held on May 20, 2025, that was a star-studded event supporting the museum’s mission. This year’s gala held special weight, spotlighting the Whitney Bag as a symbol of art-meets-fashion synergy. Guests, including White Lotus star Leslie Bibb, Nicky Hilton, Andie MacDowell, Carolina Herrera Creative Director Wes Gordon, and Michelle Monaghan, gathered in downtown Manhattan for an elegant evening of dinner, espresso martinis, and dancing. They celebrated a decade of the Whitney Museum's cultural impact in style with a live performance from Rozonda Thomas.

It was a night of celebration, art, fashion, and philanthropy. Click through the gallery below to see exclusive photos from the evening, including celebrity attendees.