1990s Missoni Metallic Abstract Stripe Knit Maxi Dress
About the Item
- Designer:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Toronto, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU228213106432
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: Toronto, Canada
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
- 2000's Alexander McQueen Lace and Printed Cocktail DressBy Alexander McQueenLocated in Toronto, OntarioAlexander McQueen cocktail dress from the early 2000's. Blue lace bodice on top of printed chiffon. Drop waist cascades into flounces of layered chiffon. Zipper up centre back. Excellent vintage condition. Fits like a US size 4. Perfect for an early fall...Category
Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses
- 1980s Andre Laug Cream Silk Jacquard and Lace DressBy André LaugLocated in Toronto, Ontario1980s Andre Laug cream silk jacquard dress. Mock turtleneck, oversized bishop sleeves and pleated bodice and skirt. Belted at waist with matching jacquard pattern. White lace cut out...Category
1980s Italian Evening Dresses
- 1960s Pauline Trigere Turquoise and Grey Chiffon GownBy Pauline TrigèreLocated in Toronto, OntarioGorgeous chiffon gown from the 1960s by Pauline Trigere. The gown can be worn two ways, with or without belt. The delicate chiffon falls in a loose gather from the neckline and is de...Category
1960s American Evening Gowns
- 1970s Anonymous Gold Pleated Flapper Style Cocktail dressLocated in Toronto, Ontario1970s American made gold and black accordion style cocktail dress from the "great unknown" with a pleated double layer and lettuce style hemline. The shimmery lurex fabric falls awa...Category
1970s Unknown Shift Cocktail Dresses
- 1980's Oscar de la Renta Lavender Chiffon Beaded Evening DressBy Oscar De La RentaLocated in Toronto, OntarioLavender silk chiffon beaded evening dress by Oscar de la Renta. Fabric has an all over devoree leopard print with white iridescent beading at the neckline and along the waistband. F...Category
1980s American Evening Dresses
- 1980's Never Worn Jean Louis Scherrer Lace and Satin Cocktail DressBy Jean-Louis ScherrerLocated in Toronto, Ontario1980's unworn silver lace and taupe satin cocktail dress with illusion neckline by Jean Louis Scherrer. French couturier known for his elegant designs. Upper bodice in silver lace th...Category
1980s French Cocktail Dresses
- 1990S ALBERTA FERRETTI Cream Bias Cut Silk Charmeuse & Tulle Lace Empire Waist 1By Alberta FerrettiLocated in New York, NY1990S ALBERTA FERRETTI Cream Bias Cut Silk Charmeuse & Tulle Lace Empire Waist Bridal Gown With Embroidered SleevesCategory
1990s Italian Wedding Dresses
- 1990S HELMUT LANG Off White Silk Organza Dress Overlaid With Zipper & PailetteBy Helmut LangLocated in New York, NY1990S HELMUT LANG Off White Silk Organza Dress Overlaid With Zipper & Pailette LaceCategory
1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- F/W 2001 Gianni Versace by Donatella Serena Williams Cut-Out Purple Poppy GownBy Gianni Versace Couture, Donatella VersaceLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting a gorgeous purple poppy print cut-out full-length gown designed by Donatella Versace. This rare piece features an interior zipped corset and the poppy print that debuted on the Fall/Winter 2001 Atelier Versace haute couture runway in green. The intricate leaf-shaped cutout detailing also debuted on the F/W 2001 Haute Couture runway. The cutouts form a high thigh slit, revealing peeks of skin in a way that is classically Versace. Serena Williams...Category
Early 2000s Italian Evening Gowns
- Maison Margiela Rare Vintage Beaded Tapestry Runway Dress Gown Museum CollecBy Maison Martin MargielaLocated in Los Angeles, CASpring 2012 Maison Martin Margiela's collection of exquisite evening wear inspired by Asian theme tapestry. One could picture this "wearable art" sequined number out at a fashion party or special event. Margiela tapestry gown featured in RSID museum exhibition (see last photo). Strapless gown with corset...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Evening Gowns
- Worn in Sex and The City 2, Iconic John Galliano Christian Dior Newsprint DressBy John Galliano for Christian DiorLocated in New York, NYBeing offered is the Iconic John Galliano for Christian Dior Autumn/Winter 2000-2001 Newsprint Dress WORN by Sarah Jessica Parker and lent by Vintage Luxury N.Y. for Sex and the City 2, the movie. The iconic Dior newsprint dress...Category
Early 2000s French Cocktail Dresses
- Giorgio Sant Angelo Romantic Lace EnsembleBy Giorgio di Sant' AngeloLocated in New York, NYGiorgio Sant Angelo Romantic Lace Ensemble of a lycra bodysuit with lace trim and a huge machine lace trimmed skirt from the 1980's. Lace trimmed L...Category
1970s American Evening Dresses and Gowns