1970S MISSONI Metallic Rayon Blend Knit Rare & Collectible Asian Floral Kaftan
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Length: 60 in (152.4 cm)Marked Size: S (US)Bust: 40 in (101.6 cm)Waist: 40 in (101.6 cm)Hip: 40 in (101.6 cm)
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: New York, NY
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
- MORPHEW COLLECTION Multicolor & Metallic Gold Silk Paisley Kaftan Made From VinBy MorphewLocated in New York, NYMORPHEW COLLECTION Multicolor & Metallic Gold Silk Paisley Kaftan Made From Vintage Saris MORPHEW COLLECTION is made entirely by hand in our NYC Ateliér of rare antique materials sou...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Kaftans
- MORPHEW COLLECTION Yellow Blue Japanese Kimono Silk Garden Print KaftanBy MorphewLocated in New York, NYEach Morphew Collection kaftan is unique. Using our classic fitted/unfitted kaftan pattern we upcycle vintage kimono silks from the 1940s to the 1980s. Many are hand printed or dyed and some even have touches of hand embroidery or touches of metallic gold paint. There is an internal optional elastic waistband which pulls the bodice in to fit the body. This creates a flattering line which fits a very wide array of sizing. Fantastic oversized butterfly sleeves create a softer more fluid line than your run of the mill kaftan. Hand finished and ethically made in the USA. MORPHEW COLLECTION Yellow Blue Japanese...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Kaftans
- MORPHEW COLLECTION Jade Green & Orange Japanese Kimono Silk KaftanBy MorphewLocated in New York, NYEach Morphew Collection kaftan is unique. Using our classic fitted/unfitted kaftan pattern we upcycle vintage kimono silks from the 1940s to the 1980s. Many are hand printed or dyed ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Kaftans
- 1990S DOLCE & GABBANA Animal Print Brown Tulle DressLocated in New York, NY1990S DOLCE & GABBANA Animal Print Brown Tulle DressCategory
1990s Casual Dresses
- 1970S Pyschedelic Floral Wool Jersey Dress With Rayon LiningLocated in New York, NY1970S Pyschedelic Floral Wool Jersey Dress With Rayon LiningCategory
1970s Casual Dresses
- 1930S Russet Brown Bias Cut Rayon Blend Crepe Plissé Gown Slight As-IsLocated in New York, NY1930S Russet Brown Bias Cut Rayon Blend Crepe Plissé Gown Slight As-IsCategory
1930s Formal Gowns
- Salvatore Ferragamo Peach Cotton Knit Short Sleeve Shift Dress - MediumBy Salvatore FerragamoLocated in West Palm Beach, FLSalvatore Ferragamo Peach Cotton Knit Short Sleeve Shift Dress - Medium. This lovely dress is in excellent condition. It features a feminine peach cotton knit material, two pockets...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Shift Dresses
- Norma Walters Tartan Plaid Silk & Sequin Two Piece Dress, 1980'sBy Norma WaltersLocated in Atlanta, GAWe are mad for plaid! And it is especially fun when applied to a 1980's Norma Walter's strong shouldered silhouette and black sequins are added for a l...Category
1980s Hong Kong Cocktail Dresses
- Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil SS 1999 Unworn Logo Film Print Off Shoulder Mesh DressBy Jean Paul Gaultier SoleilLocated in Naples, FLJean Paul Gaultier Soleil S/S 1999 Unworn Logo Film Print Off Shoulder Mesh Midi Dress Size LCategory
1990s Day Dresses
- Silk leopard printed cocktail dress Jean-Louis Scherrer BoutiqueBy Jean-Louis ScherrerLocated in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FRSilk leopard printed cocktail dress.Shoulder pad. Fabric buttons. Cutwork. Biais. Lining only on the hips. Zip in the middle back. Gros-grain on the waist inside. Numbered: 546759 SI...Category
1980s French Cocktail Dresses
- Black and kaki check wool sleeveless dress Yves Saint Laurent VariationBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FRBlack and kaki check wool sleeveless dress. Silk lining. SIZE 38 (M)Category
1980s French Day Dresses
- Saloni Silk dress size MLocated in Gazzaniga (BG), ITBrand tag cut 100% Silk Floral pattern Yellow and orange Orange corals band Shoulder/hem length cm 128 (50 inches)Category
2010s Casual Dresses