Missoni Silk Scarf

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.

Whether accompanying a simple black dress or a straightforward pantsuit, vintage and designer accessories add personality and can transform an outfit into a fashion statement. Accessorizing is a means of expressing oneself, from colorful hats to timeless handbags.

A finely made scarf can pack a punch on its own, but accompanying a variety of other clothing, it can fuse a look or offer a flash of color. The perfect shoes can enhance an outfit, and different types of shoes can even change how you feel. Heels can provide a feeling of empowerment and confidence, while loafers and flats can offer a comfortable vibe. Sandals can be casual or elegant, able to dress up or down a range of attire.

Purses and handbags have been around in various forms since the days of hunter-gatherers using pouches to carry food, tools and other items. Bag design evolved notably during the Middle Ages. The shoulder bags and other bags ferried on today’s shoulders continue to be utilitarian while serving as status symbols. Chic design and exceptional quality contribute to beautifully constructed statement purses.

Men and women have worn hats throughout history. While they started as simply protection from the sun, they evolved into stylish accessories. Vintage hats never go out of style and add an exciting detail to an ensemble. The first boutique established by legendary fashion designer Coco Chanel drew the attention of the Parisian fashion elite who popularized her wide-brimmed Chanel Modes hats.

Sunglasses were popularized in the 1920s by Hollywood stars attempting to remain incognito in public. They endure as a fashion-forward accessory — a pair of vintage Ray-Ban sunglasses, for example, can top off a look in any season and emanate an air of sophistication.

From belts and neckties to cloche hats and berets, browse an extensive selection of vintage and designer accessories on 1stDibs to complement any wardrobe.