Missoni

Italian

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.

Missoni fashion for sale on 1stDibs.

Find an extraordinary range of authentic Missoni fashion available on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing our collection of unique vintage and designer fashion to elevate your daily look or to introduce new colors to the dazzling formal wear in your wardrobe, this designer’s body of work includes elements of blue, purple, pink and other tones. Customers who are interested in this designer might also find the work of Emilio Pucci, Giorgio Armani, and Gianfranco Ferré appealing. On 1stDibs, find haute couture, vintage and designer Missoni fashion from top boutiques around the world. Missoni fashion prices can differ depending upon time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $59 and tops out at $7,000, while the average work can sell for $495.

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Questions About Missoni

Is M Missoni a luxury brand?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024
Yes, M Missoni is a luxury brand. However, pieces from the M Missoni collection are usually sold at lower price points than those from the flagship Missoni collection. The diffusion line debuted in 1998 and features sportswear designed to suit the tastes of younger women. Explore a variety of Missoni apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.
What is Missoni‘s style?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Missoni is known for their iconic knitwear. They feature a renowned zig-zag pattern in their knit, and also often use bold colors and patterns to enliven their pieces. Shop a range of authentic Missoni pieces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What fabric does Missoni use?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Missoni is known for its iconic knit, featuring a zig-zag pattern. They use a variety of materials in their products, including merino wool, silk, cotton, viscose and linen. Shop a wide collection of Missoni pieces from top boutiques around the world on 1stDibs.
Who owns Missoni?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
The Missoni family still owns the Missioni brand. In 2018 they sold a minority stake of the company to an investment firm called FSI, but the family continues to own a majority stake. Shop a collection of Missoni pieces from top sellers worldwide on 1stDibs.
What was Missoni known for?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Missoni, the Italian luxury fashion house, is best known for its colorful knitwear and eponymous zigzag knit. Crafted with the utmost quality, Missoni knitwear continues to be coveted by fashion aficionados and luxury enthusiasts alike. Shop a collection of authentic Missoni garments from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
What is the difference in Missoni and Missoni Mare?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Missoni is an Italian luxury fashion house that specializes in exceptional knitwear. Missoni Mare is a collection of swimwear by Missoni that integrates bold patterns and colors into beach-ready pieces. Shop for Missoni and Missoni Mare pieces from top sellers on 1stDibs.
Where is Missoni manufactured?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Missoni goods are manufactured in Missoni’s factory located in the Italian countryside outside Sumirago, near the Italian Alps. The factory is part of the Missoni compound, a significant venue to the Missoni family. Browse a collection of Missoni styles from some of the world's top boutiques on 1stDibs.
Where is Missoni made?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Missoni is mostly manufactured in Italy. Missoni’s factory is located close to the Alps, near the town of Sumirago. This location was chosen due to the Missoni family’s personal ties to the area. Browse a range of authentic Missoni pieces from top sellers on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between Missoni and M Missoni?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 19, 2024
The difference between Missoni and M Missoni is that Missoni is an Italian fashion label that is famous for its luxury knitwear designs, and M Missoni is the brand’s casualwear diffusion line, a modestly priced offshoot of the main collection that was founded in 1988. M Missoni is aimed at younger buyers.

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.

Find Missoni clothing on 1stDibs.
How do I authenticate Missoni?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Authenticate a Missoni dress by carefully examining the quality. The Missoni dress is known for an exceptionally high-quality knit that delivers exceptional durability and is defined by a classic zig-zag pattern. Overlocked seams are a classic finishing touch. Missoni pieces are made in Italy, which should be specified on the tag, and the tag of newer pieces may feature an RFID tag. In order to be sure that your Missoni piece is authentic, having a professional evaluate it is ideal. Shop an array of expertly vetted Missoni pieces on 1stDibs.
What is a Missoni print?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Missoni’s prints are based around the zigzag pattern that they are renowned for. This iconic knitting pattern has yielded colorful and eye-catching prints that give Missoni pieces a bold presence. Shop a range of brightly pattern Missoni pieces from top sellers on 1stDibs.
What is M Missoni?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
M Missoni is the diffusion line of Missoni. M Missoni features more casualwear, typically lower price points, and is targeted more towards younger fans of the brand. Shop a collection of M Missoni pieces from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
Does Missoni make Splendid?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
No, Missoni doesn’t make Splendid, but Missoni and Splendid, a Los Angeles-based casualwear brand, collaborated in 2018 to create a capsule collection. The collection features bright colors and was defined by plenty of stripes and floral themes. Shop a variety of Missoni and Splendid pieces from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
What is Missoni orange label?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Missoni is known for their rust orange colored label usually sewn into the back neckline or an inside seam of their products. It proudly displays the logo of Missoni in an oval. Shop a collection of Missoni pieces from top sellers on 1stDibs.
How do I tie a Missoni scarf?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
You can tie a Missoni scarf in many different ways, depending on your personal preference. Try knotting it around your neck for a classic elegant look, or enliven a bag by knotting it around the base of the handle. Accentuate your ponytail by knotting a Missoni scarf around the base to hide your hair tie. Shop a collection of Missoni scarves on 1stDibs.
Where do I buy Missoni?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Shop for Missoni products on their official website, at a range of high-end department stores or at their partner retailers. Use the store locator feature on their website to help you find a store near you. Browse a collection of professionally authenticated Missoni pieces from top sellers around the world on 1stDibs.
Who is the Missoni designer?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Angela Missoni is currently the president as well as the creative director of Missoni. She is the daughter of the founders, Ottavio and Rosita Missoni. She has headed up the company since 1998. Browse a collection of beautiful Missoni pieces from top boutiques worldwide on 1stDibs.
What knit is Missoni?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Missoni is known for their iconic zig-zag knit which it began using in 1962. They developed their unique style of knitting using Raschel knitting machines. The sleek feel of this knit gave it a luxurious, flattering style. Shop a range of Missoni knitwear from top sellers on 1stDibs.
What does Missoni mean in english?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Missoni is the last name of the founders of the Missoni fashion house. The Italian designing couple, Ottavio and Rosita Missoni, created the knitwear brand in 1953. Shop a range of authentic Missoni pieces from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
Who makes Missoni suits?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Missoni tailored garments, including suits and suit separates, are crafted at the Missoni factory located in Sumirago, Italy, near the Italian Alps. Browse a wide range of Missoni suits and other styles from some of the world's top boutiques on 1stDibs.