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.
Missoni Brown Label, Knitted Scarf in Green and Peach
By Missoni, Missoni Brown label
Located in London, GB
A super scarf for Spring by Missoni, Brown Label. In a mohair, wol and nylon mix, the scarf is in a pretty avocado green colour with peach, blue and brown and has three bows at one ...
Missoni Bold Shades Of Fuchsia Floral Silk Scarf
By Missoni
Located in New York, NY
Missoni wonderful multicolors of fuchsia, lavender, and greens floral silk scarf is accented with Deep-fuchsia borders and rolled edges. Scarf measures 27 1/2 inches by 28 inches. Ma...
Missoni Fall 2007 Multicolor Leather Lattice Runway Belt
By Missoni
Located in Boca Raton, FL
From Missoni’s Fall 2007 runway collection, this exceptional belt exemplifies the brand’s experimental craftsmanship and modernist sensibility. Constructed from intersecting multicolor leather strips in black, tan, burgundy, and pale blue, the belt forms a lattice-style cage design accented with antique brass rivets...
Missoni Black Cat Eye MIS 0078/S 807 Sunglasses 55/20 140 mm
By Missoni
Located in Rome, Rome
Missoni MIS 0078/S - 807 IR Sunglasses Stylish and distinctive, these Missoni MIS 0078/S sunglasses embody the brand's signature blend of color and creativity. The model features a b...
Missoni Yellow & Blue Zigzag Scarf
By Missoni
Located in Amman, JO
Infuse your wardrobe with Italian elegance through this Missoni Yellow & Blue Zigzag Scarf, a true statement piece from the legendary fashion house. Crafted in Missoni’s signature kn...
Missoni Fall 2005 Multicolor Knit Obi Belt with Leather Trim
By Missoni
Located in Boca Raton, FL
From Missoni’s Fall 2005 collection, this wide knit obi belt captures the house’s iconic use of color and texture. Crafted in Italy from a soft wool-blend knit, it features bold hori...
Missoni Pink & Brown Woven Wide Belt with Front Zipper - EU 40
By Missoni
Located in Amman, JO
Missoni Pink & Brown Woven Wide Belt with Front Zipper Add a pop of texture and signature Italian flair with this Missoni wide belt, crafted in a vibrant pink and brown woven de...
$196Sale Price|30% Off
Missoni Metallic Gold Crochet Patterned Wide Waist Belt - IT 46
By Missoni
Located in Amman, JO
Add a touch of Italian glam to your look with this Missoni metallic gold stretch belt. Crafted with the brand’s signature knit fabric, this wide wais...
Missoni silver rhinestones sunglasses
By Missoni
Located in Milano, IT
Missoni sunglasses Black frame covered with rhinestones Square lenses Excellent condition Never worn With original case 1980s
$85Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Missoni checked coloured tie in silk
By Missoni
Located in Milano, IT
A true evergreen, this tie is timeless. Designed by Missoni, it mirrors the great Italian taste in fashion. This all-silk vintage tie is colourful, yet classical. Decorated with oran...
Missoni Purple Inlay Fabric MIS 0001/S EM5 Sunglasses 56/23 125 mm
By Missoni
Located in Rome, Rome
Missoni MIS 0001/S - EM5/9O Sunglasses The Missoni MIS 0001/S sunglasses perfectly capture the brand's signature blend of creativity and craftsmanship. The entire frame is crafted in...
MISSONI multicolor wavey pattern fabric knitted brown leather wrap belt IT40 S
By Missoni
Located in Hong Kong, NT
MISSONI multicolor wavey pattern fabric knitted brown leather wrap belt IT40 S Reference: SNKO/A00615 Brand: Missoni Material: Leather, Fabric Color: Brown, Multicolour Pattern: Zig ...
MISSONI red pink wool lend ZIG ZAG Headband One Size
By Missoni
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Missoni zig zag headband in pink, salmon, red, lilac and white wool (50%) and acrylic (50%). Elastic band on the back. Has never been worn and is in virtually new cond...
Missoni Ombré Striped Fringed Scarf
By Missoni
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Very good. Minimal wear to the scarf is evident. Minimal wear to the green section towards the designer label on the back and on one tassel where discolouration is visib...
Missoni Iconic Signature MultiColor "ZigZag" Silk Scarf
By Missoni
Located in New York, NY
Missoni wonderfully detailed iconic signature Multicolor ZigZag silk scarf finished with hand-rolled edges, measures 35 inches by 36 inches. Made in Italy.
Huge Missoni multicolor Bold-print cotton scarf
By Missoni
Located in New York, NY
This wonderfully detailed huge Missoni multi-color bold print cotton scarf measures 51" x 51". Original tags are still attached.
Missoni Signature Multicolor Zig-Zag Scarf with Fringe
By Missoni
Located in New York, NY
Missoni signature multi-color zig-zag scarf is accented with fringe and measures 22 inches by 74 inches. Made of 73 percent Merino wool and 27 percent viscose nylon. Woven and...
Missoni Huge multicolor rectangle scarf
By Missoni
Located in New York, NY
Missoni Huge Multi-color silk chiffon rectangle scarf measures 25 1/2" x 67" finished with hand-rolled edges.
1990S MISSONI Purple Wool Blend Chevron Knitted Scarf
By Missoni
Located in New York, NY
1990S MISSONI Purple Wool Blend Chevron Knitted Scarf
MISSONI One Size Purple Grey Black Abstract Silk Tie
By Missoni
Located in San Francisco, CA
MISSONI for MACY'S necktie in a purple, grey, and black silk featuring an abstract print. Handmade in Spainches Very Good Pre-Owned Condition.Width: 3 inches Length: 59 inches ...
Missoni Brown Acetate Square Sunglasses With Iconic Knit Detailing
By Missoni
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Missoni Brown Acetate Square Sunglasses with Iconic Knit Detailing are a luxurious accessory that seamlessly combines bold design with sophisticated craftsmanship. Crafted from r...
Missoni vintage frame
$250Sale Price|20% Off
MISSONI Black Multi-Color Abstract Print Silk Scarf
By Missoni
Located in San Francisco, CA
MISSONI scarf comes in a multi-color abstract print silk. Made in Italy. Very Good Pre-Owned Condition. Measurements: 35 inches x 35 inches Reference: 119779 Category:...
Missoni Multicolor Knit Scarf
By Missoni
Located in Amman, JO
Inject color and character into your wardrobe with this Missoni multicolor knit scarf, showcasing the brand’s iconic zigzag and wave pattern in a vibrant palette of purple, lime gree...
Missoni Multi-Color Knit Knotted Headband
By Missoni
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This MISSONI multi-color knotted headband is made in the signature chevron-pattern giving the chic and trendy Missoni signature. This designer accessory is the perfect summer accessory to add to your wardrobe. This headband is crafted in a lightweight knit fabric in a series of geometric motifs in multiple shades and a twist detail. Pair this headband with your favourite Gucci pool slides...
Missoni Multi-Color Knit Knotted Headband
By Missoni
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This MISSONI multi-color knotted headband is made in the signature chevron-pattern giving the chic and trendy Missoni signature. This designer accessory is the perfect summer accessory to add to your wardrobe. This headband is crafted in a lightweight knit fabric in a series of geometric motifs in multiple shades and a twist detail. Pair this headband with your favourite Gucci pool slides...
Missoni Multi-Color Color-Block Floral Silk Jacquard scarf
By Missoni
Located in New York, NY
Missoni wonderful multi-colored color-block floral silk jacquard scarf measures 34" x 35", finished with hand-rolled edges. Made in Italy.
Missoni Multi-Color Knit Knotted Headband
By Missoni
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This MISSONI multi-color knotted headband is made in the signature chevron-pattern giving the chic and trendy Missoni signature. This designer accessory is the perfect summer accessory to add to your wardrobe. This headband is crafted in a lightweight knit fabric in a series of geometric motifs in multiple shades and a twist detail. Pair this headband with your favourite Gucci pool slides...
Vintage Missoni Brown Leather M Belt
By Missoni
Located in Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta
Vintage Missoni M initial Belt. 4 cm width. Silver hardware. The lining is a little sticky and shows dirt marks throughout. Size 85. Minor scratches and scuffs on the leather surface.
Missoni Multi Pattern Black Silk Scarf
By Missoni
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Missoni vintage multi pattern silk twill scarf. Hand rolled edges. Care tag still attached.
Missoni Multi-Color Knit Knotted Headband
By Missoni
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This MISSONI multi-color knotted headband is made in the signature chevron-pattern giving the chic and trendy Missoni signature. This designer accessory is the perfect summer accessory to add to your wardrobe. This headband is crafted in a lightweight knit fabric in a series of geometric motifs in multiple shades and a twist detail. Pair this headband with your favourite Gucci pool slides...