Missoni Runway Spring 2004 Leopard Cutout Open Back Maxi Dress

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Missoni Runway Spring 2004 Leopard Cutout Open Back Maxi Dress

About the Item

Famed for their iconic kaleidoscopic knits, Missoni crafts jersey fabric into comfortable, creative clothing. Since the conception of the brand in the 1950s, Missoni has mastered the art of pattern mixing and color combinations. Their 70’s inspired 2004 Spring collection featured a memorable lineup of separates, swimsuits, beach cover-ups, and dresses in a kaleidoscopic array of patterns featuring everything from signature Missoni stripes to animal prints, flowers, and art-nouveau style swirls. As seen as look #50 on that season’s runway, this sensational maxi dress is flirtatious and sophisticated at once. Done in an incredible gauzy tulle that is actually 100% silk, this dreamy, bohemian-inspired dress is transparent and light as a feather. The silk features a leopard print in neon shades of orange, pink, green, turquoise, amethyst, and blue against a light gold and crème ground. The sleeveless design begins with a plunging halter neckline and a sensual zig zag cut out that spans the length of the bodice, creating a diamond pattern that emphasizes the natural lines of the body. The silk tulle fabric is gathered and draped to perfection at the neckline and skirt to create soft pleats that complement the fierce animal print. The cut outs are trimmed in golden-yellow knit ribbons that tie at the back of the bodice, holding the dress in place while also bringing the design together visually. Size: 42 IT 6US Size estimate: Medium Measurements: Bust: Waist Low waist where skirt hits: 30 inches Hips: Full Length: 63 inches The skirt falls from the hips to a maxi length at the ankles, creating a slender, columnar silhouette. The double-layer skirt is still somewhat transparent – as intended, but extra coverage can easily be worn underneath if needed. A ravishing addition to the discerning fashion lover’s wardrobe, this beautiful maxi dress is the perfect choice for a beach wedding, evening soiree, or special occasion, and can easily be styled with statement accessories and strappy heels. This Missoni maxi dress is unlined and has three ribbon tie closures at the back. In excellent condition, it has been professionally eco-dry cleaned and pressed. High-quality vintage pieces like this are yours to live in and love while increasing in value every year. It’s never too soon to start collecting them, as an investment in your wardrobe—and in yourself.

Designer:
Missoni
Dimensions:
Length: 63 in (160.02 cm)Marked Size: 6 US / 42 IT (US)
Place of Origin:
Italy
Period:
2000-2009
Condition:
Seller Location:
Boca Raton, FL
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU73019110762

Shop All Missoni

Missoni

In 1953, Ottavio “Tai” Missoni (1921–2013) and Rosita Missoni (b. 1931) 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, Missoni Home, which included furniture, textiles and accessories. Daughter Angela succeeded her mother at the helm of the brand, where she served as creative director until 2021 and is currently president; her brother Luca is CEO, while her daughter Margherita was creative director of M Missoni, a modestly priced offshoot that was discontinued in 2021.

Find vintage Missoni clothing and accessories today on 1stDibs.