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” 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.
- 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
- 1980s Jacqueline de Ribes Deep Purple Taffeta One-Shoulder Cocktail Dress w RoseBy Jacqueline de RibesLocated in Gresham, OR1980s Jacqueline de Ribes Deep Purple Taffeta One-Shoulder Cocktail Dress w Roses: This documented Jacqueline de Ribes heavily boned, ruched, asymmetrical, ingeniously designed mi...Category
1980s French Cocktail Dresses
- 1960s Bernetti Citrine Silk Opera Coat & Dress Ensemble w Extravagant BeadworkLocated in Gresham, ORA fabulous Bernetti 1960s 2 piece evening ensemble: Citrine silk opera coat and column dress with extravagant hand-sewn beadwork and rhinestone embroi...Category
1960s American Evening Gowns
- Christian Dior Late '50s Silk Brocade Cocktail Dress w/ ShoesBy Christian DiorLocated in Gresham, ORAn stunning Christian Dior Original from the late 1950s in two color coral and fuschia floral brocade. Features a wrap style blouson bodice and gathered full skirt. The belt is shape...Category
1950s French Cocktail Dresses
- 1980s Bob Mackie Black Jersey Gown w Structured Corset & Beaded StrapsBy Bob MackieLocated in Gresham, OR1980s Bob Mackie Black Jersey Gown w Structured Corset & Beaded Straps: This jeweled tassel adorned plunging deep V neckline and low scooped back, make a daring evening gown in a va...Category
1980s American Evening Gowns
- 1958 Pauline Lake Coral Silk & Gold Lame Imported Fabric Strapless SarongLocated in Gresham, ORGorgeous custom made 1958 Pauline Lake coral silk and gold lame, imported fabric, strapless sarong-style sun dress. Boned strapless bodice with pleated s...Category
1950s American Cocktail Dresses
- MORPHEW COLLECTION Lilac Silver Antique Silk Lamé Gown With 1930S CrystalsBy MorphewLocated in New York, NYMORPHEW COLLECTION Lilac Silver Antique Silk Lamé Gown With 1930S Crystals MORPHEW COLLECTION is made entirely by hand in our NYC Ateliér of rare antique materials sourced from arou...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Evening 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
- Paco Rabanne Silver Foil Grid Mini Dress US Size 8By Paco RabanneLocated in Nice, FRPACO RABANNE white mini dress with silver foil grid. Top surface is silver foil printed creating a metallic chain mail effect on a white knit spandex base. Slips on. Hook neck clos...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Mini Dress
- Vintage 1950's Lilli Diamond Silver Lamé Beaded Strapless Dress and Swing JacketBy Lilli DiamondLocated in Beverly Hills, CAA seductive and highly stylized 1950's sparkling silver lamé dress ensemble by the famous Lilli Diamond label. The silhouette is classic pin-up "femm...Category
1950s American Aesthetic Evening Dresses
- Gucci 2004 by Tom Ford Slipper Satin Silver Harlowesque Bias Cut Out Dress GownBy GucciLocated in Los Angeles, CASleek and chic Tom Ford's 1930's style gown for Gucci showcases a bias cut silhouette coveted by many. Designed with cut out bodice with center tie and dramatic open back with trai...Category
Early 2000s Evening Dresses
- Donna Karan 1990s Size 4 Silver Grecian Metallic Strapless Vintage Silk 90s GownBy Donna KaranLocated in San Diego, CAGorgeous vintage DONNA KARAN silver metallic strapless Grecian gown! Features a boned fitted bodice, with flattering drapes and gathers throughout. Hidden zipper up the back with hoo...Category
1990s American Evening Gowns