The name MAX has been synonymous with high fashion in the Rocky Mountain region for almost three decades. Fashionistas know that if you want the best in designer fashion, the boutique is the first stop to luxury. Founded by Max Martinez, with boutiques in Cherry Creek, Boulder, and Aspen, the clothing company has continuously brought sought-after brands including Dries Van Noten, Bottega Veneta, Celine, and Gabriela Hearst to their long-time clients in Colorado. For most of this style journey, the fashion innovator has been joined by Holly Kabacoff, the manager of the Boulder boutique for 26 years and a buyer for all three locations. Holly is described by Max as the “heart and soul” of the operation.
The fashion scene in Colorado has changed significantly over the years, and Martinez sees his role in the transformation as one of an educator and supporter of quality brands. “Colorado has always been about the casual, functional dress, intermixed with whatever’s trending at the time. I’ve always seen my stores as an opportunity to educate women on the long-term benefits of buying high quality, timeless clothing. I have clients who wear dresses or sweaters they bought from me 20 years ago, and they still look amazing. Mindfulness of how and where products are made has become a top priority in recent years. Doing what we can to support the industry in the U.S. and encourage sustainable practices in fashion is very important to me,” Martinez says.
The style icon has always mixed his love of fashion with his deep devotion to the community and giving back to causes close to his heart. He began his philanthropy work because of a promise made to his late mother and has used his extensive network of generous clients to help raise much needed financial support for several charities and organizations. “I learned from my mother the importance of serving others. I promised her as she lay on her deathbed that I would follow her example of love for everyone, especially those who needed it most. MAX has afforded me a broad network of wonderful people who have helped raised more than $2.5 million over the past decade to fight AIDS, hunger, domestic violence, and to support Children’s Hospital Colorado,” Martinez says.
This year, he also began raising funds for Teen Art Programs at the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver (MCA), and the amount has exceeded $100,000. In June, his charity work continued with a drive to benefit There With Care, an organization that provides support for families during a medical crisis.
CHARITIES
*Over $2.5 Million Raised
*Causes: AIDS, Hunger, Domestic Violence, Children
*Charities & Organizations
-Children’s Hospital Colorado
-There With Care
-Hand & Heart Center
-Museum of Contemporary Art Denver (MCA)
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