M Missoni Evening Dresses and Gowns

M Missoni is the diffusion line of Missoni. M Missoni features more casualwear, typically lower price points, and is targeted more towards younger fans of the brand. Shop a collection of M Missoni pieces from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.

The difference between Missoni and M Missoni is that Missoni is an Italian fashion label that is famous for its luxury knitwear designs, and M Missoni is the brand’s casualwear diffusion line, a modestly priced offshoot of the main collection that was founded in 1988. M Missoni is aimed at younger buyers. 

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.

Find Missoni clothing on 1stDibs.

Yes, M Missoni is a luxury brand. However, pieces from the M Missoni collection are usually sold at lower price points than those from the flagship Missoni collection. The diffusion line debuted in 1998 and features sportswear designed to suit the tastes of younger women. Explore a variety of Missoni apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.