Missoni Playsuit

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.

Clothes are part of an individual’s identity. Personal style is a creative form of self-expression that can make a person feel comfortable and confident. From bell-bottoms and oversize tie-dye dresses to denim jackets and leather pants, the fashion world has changed greatly over the years. Still, many looks never go out of style, and certain vintage and designer suits, outfits and ensembles can prove just as timeless.

Think of heavy, warm sweaters: They immediately evoke a specific sensation of cold, winter mornings, hands cupped around a steaming mug of coffee or tea as fog rolls idly across the Irish moors. The design of Aran wool sweaters dates back generations, yet they remain in vogue today.

Then there are iconic fabrics, such as gingham. Originating in Asia, this fabric is known for its overlapping stripes. It was first imported to Europe in the 17th century and then was woven in 18th-century England — Manchester, specifically — where it was given the checked pattern with which it is associated today. It’s an enduringly popular choice for all types of ensembles, from vintage swimwear and rompers to three-piece suits.

Vintage and designer suits, outfits and ensembles convey style, whether dressing up or down.

From understated jumpsuits and vibrant knits to classy jackets and elegant skirts, a range of fashionable garments for any occasion can be found on 1stDibs. Browse clothing by leading designers like Chanel, Versace, Prada and many more today.