Missoni knit dress
View Similar Items
Missoni knit dress
About the Item
- Designer:
- Dimensions:Length: 60 in (152.4 cm)Marked Size: 8 (US)Bust: 36 in (91.44 cm)Waist: 30 in (76.2 cm)Hip: 33 in (83.82 cm)
- Place of Origin:Italy
- Period:
- Material Notes:100 % rayon
- Condition:excellent condition.
- Seller Location:West Palm Beach, FL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: AU130621434110
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.
- 1970s Missoni Silk Abstract DressBy MissoniLocated in Scottsdale, AZSearching For Some Missoni In Your Life? Look no further! This 1970's silk Missoni dress is exactly what you need! An allover abstract motif of blue, green, red and purple give off a...Category
1970s Italian Casual Dresses
- 1970s Missoni Silk Wrap Dress with Rope BeltBy MissoniLocated in Scottsdale, AZYour Perfect Fall and Holiday Dress Has Arrived-with our silk Missoni wrap dress circa 1970s! Featuring a rich cherry red color which stands out against t...Category
1970s Italian Day Dresses
- 1970s Missoni Crochet DressBy MissoniLocated in Scottsdale, AZSearching For Some Missoni In Your Life? Look no further! This 1970's crochet Missoni dress features a multi-colored abstract motif all throughout with a signature Missoni hem. Scoop...Category
1970s Italian Casual Dresses
- Missoni Metallic Sparkle Crochet Knit Caftan Long Dress NWTBy MissoniLocated in Los Angeles, CAMissoni fashions are always in sync with jet set glamour. An effortless caftan style dress. Features Missoni signature multi pastel shades with slight metallic sparkle. Dress has a subtle gradual shading throughout. A mid-weight knit accented by a crochet knit embroidery border...Category
Early 2000s Kaftans
- Missoni Red Print Silk Knit DressBy MissoniLocated in Alford, MAAs light as a feather, this Missoni raspberry silk knit with abstract print is perfect for traveling or wearing around town. The shape is a simple body skimming shift that looks grea...Category
1980s Italian Day Dresses
- Missoni Raspberry SundressBy MissoniLocated in Alford, MAMissoni sundress, c.1970s-'80s, with spaghetti straps and interior elastic band that gathers the fabric in at the waist. Predominantly raspberry zigzag stripe knit. Light, packable a...Category
1970s Italian Casual Dresses