1970s Missoni Silver Lame and Floral Banded Rib-Knit Maxi Dress
About the Item
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: 40 (EU)
- Style:Retro (In the Style Of)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. With a small scratch on one side of buckle.
- Seller Location:Gresham, OR
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU503572351
Missoni
In 1953, Ottavio “Tai” (1921–2013) and Rosita (b. 1931) Missoni opened a small knitwear shop in Gallarate, Italy, paving the way for what would become an iconic style of colorful chevron knit.
Missoni began with a tracksuit, which featured zippers down the legs because, as Rosita recalls it, “Tai was too lazy to take off his shoes when putting them on.” The couple’s fashion really took off, though, once they discovered the Raschel knitting machine on a trip to a shawl factory. The machine enabled the Missonis to knit multiple colors in a zigzag pattern, a motif that would go on to become synonymous with the Missoni brand across everything from its alluring vintage day dresses and sweaters to its purses, seating and rugs.
Missoni held its first fashion show in Florence in 1967 and caused a bit of a sensation when the models’ Lurex dresses proved translucent under the lights at the Pitti Palace. Scandal aside, the show went down in history as a hit, and the Missonis soon made their debut in the United States with the help of legendary fashion editor Diana Vreeland, who gave the variegated Missoni stripe the Vogue seal of approval, saying, “Who says a rainbow has seven colors? It has many shades.” (It was also Vreeland who reportedly introduced the Missonis to Neiman Marcus president Stanley Marcus, effectively shepherding the brand to the American market.)
Missoni’s many-shaded rainbow would soon become an emblem of the 1970s fashion scene, earning the brand a permanent place in the fashion canon. In 1973, the New York Times proclaimed: “Missoni’s weaved garments have ended up universal materialistic trifles, as Vuitton sacks and Gucci shoes.”
The brand branched into the home market in 1983, with Rosita overseeing this new venture, which included furniture, textiles and accessories. Daughter Angela succeeded her mother at the helm of the brand, where she still serves as president and creative director today; her brother Luca is CEO, while her daughter Margherita is creative director of offshoot M Missoni.
Find vintage Missoni clothing and accessories today on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Gresham, OR
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 7 days of delivery.
- 1960 Bill Blass Documented Floral Print Silver Brocade Gown W/Rhinestone BeltBy Bill BlassLocated in Gresham, OR1960 Bill Blass Documented Floral Print Silver Brocade Gown W/Rhinestone Belt. Wild botanical print border design is stunning! Beige silk taffeta lining, large balloon sleeves w/ broad cuffs. Rhinestone buckle belt with a full long maxi skirt...Category
1960s American Evening Dresses
- 50s Silk Jacquard Cocktail Dress w/ Swallowtail Bow -Located in Gresham, ORA fantastic 50s silk jacquard cocktail dress in black with a floral pattern: zips up the back with a square neckline, 3/4 fitted sleeves, deep V back, a gat...Category
1950s American Cocktail Dresses
- 1950s Dorothy McNab Gold Lame & White Silk Sari-Inspired Gown w Waterfall BackLocated in Gresham, OR1950s Dorothy McNab Gold Lame & White Silk Sari-Inspired Gown w Draped Attached Waterfall Back, and Incredible Princess Seamed Bodice. Gold lame woven p...Category
1950s American Evening Gowns
- Andrew Gn Black Silk Crepe Monastic-Styled Maxi Dress w Full Pleats & High NeckBy Andrew GnLocated in Gresham, ORAndrew Gn Black Silk Crepe Monastic-Styled Maxi Dress w Full Pleats & High Neck: This dramatic silhouette is striking in its simplicity with full body pleating from shoulder yolk an...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Evening Dresses and Gowns
- 1980s Mary McFadden Jade Green Fortuny-Style Silk Column Gown w Long SleevesBy Mary McFaddenLocated in Gresham, OR1980s Mary McFadden Jade Green Fortuny-Style Silk Column Gown w Long Sleeves: Signature McFadden style with an asymmetrically draped bodice and long tapered sleeves. Bodice is lined...Category
1980s American Evening Dresses and Gowns
- 1950s Christian Dior Little Black Dress w Tucked Bustline and Fitted WaistBy Christian DiorLocated in Gresham, OR1950s Christian Dior Little Black Sheath Dress w Tucked Bustline and Fitted Waist: Matte black silk faille in a medium weight. Back kick pleat. Back zipper. Fully lined in silk organ...Category
1950s French Cocktail Dresses
- Thierry Mugler Couture Silver Sculpture Dress, Spring 1989By Thierry MuglerLocated in Scottsdale, AZThe most amazing Thierry Mugler couture dress from the Spring 1989 collection! Silver sculpted silhouette with detailed stitching along the bodice. Unique,...Category
1980s French Evening Dresses
- Vivienne Westwood metallic silver figure hugging mini dress, fw 1992By Vivienne WestwoodLocated in London, GB▪ Vivienne Westwood metallic silver lycra mini dress ▪ Figure hugging ▪ Scoop neckline ▪ Lace pattern ▪ Size Small ▪ Fall-Winter 1992Category
1990s British Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Gianfranco Ferre silver lamé lace embellished mini dress, ss 2006By Gianfranco FerréLocated in London, GB▪ Gianfranco Ferre silver lamé lace embellished mini dress ▪ Embellished with turquoise stones and metal studs and beads ▪ Turtle neck ▪ Silk back with waist ties ▪ Side slits ▪ Can...Category
Early 2000s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- 1980s A J Bari Vintage Silver Evening Dress w Puffed Gathered Sleeves & PocketsBy A.J. BariLocated in Portland, ORWe love this vintage A. J. Bari vintage dress from the 1980's. The dress is in a silver abstract pattern fabric and it has a gently pleated skirt, gather...Category
1980s American Evening Dresses
- 1980's Italian Designed Silver Micro Pleated Skirt with Beaded TopLocated in Toronto, Ontario1980's Italian evening set with multi colored sequin and beaded top and micro pleated silver mid calf skirt. Inspired by Mary McFadden from her Fortuny era pleated gown. The ideal wa...Category
1980s Maxi Dress
- 1970s Missoni Micro Pleated Silver Floral Lurex Maxi Skirt and Top EnsembleBy MissoniLocated in Toronto, OntarioVery sweet micro pleated Missoni top and maxi skirt set from the 1970s. Metallic silver lurex with all over multi color floral print. The top features a v-neckline and short sleeves....Category
1970s Italian Evening Dresses