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.
Orange & Black Missoni Chevron T-Strap Pumps Size 40
By Missoni
Located in New York, NY
Orange and black chevron textile and leather T-strap pumps by Missoni. Gold-tone buckle closures at ankles. 5" heel height. Designer Size: 40 US Recommended Size: 10
Vintage 1940's Carved Wooden Wedges Heels Pagoda UK 6 EU 39 US 6
Located in Nashville, TN
The most intricate pair of 1940's wooden wedges you could ever hope to set your eyes upon. The delicate shoe encloses the front of the foot with a peep toe, set off by a tan colou...
Giuseppe Zanotti Lady Gaga Swarovski Crystal Spike Wedges Heels
By Giuseppe Zanotti
Located in London, GB
Work of art Giuseppe Zanotti Lady Gaga Silver Swarovski crystal & spike embellished contoured wedges. Fall 2012 collection. Bought for £4250 and unworn with spare spikes/tag. Met...
Red suede high heels sandals with rhinestone CESARE PIACOTTI
By Cesare Paciotti
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Red suede high heels sandals with rhinestone. Buckle closure . Plateforme height = 1,5cm Heel height = 12cm Shoe size : 38 (It)
$299
Size: US 7.5 UK 5.5 EU 38.5
Vintage 1950's Silk Heels and Matching Purse Set Floral UK 5.5 US 7.5 EU 38.5
Located in Nashville, TN
Rendered in the most exquisite floral silk, this truly eye-catching 1950's set, comprising of a handbag and matching heels, are the perfect finishing touch to your outfit. The poin...
Manolo Blahnik Vintage Mary Jane Pumps BLACK SIZE 39.5 SJP ICONIC
By Manolo Blahnik
Located in Ardmore, PA
Manolo Blahnik Camparis Patent Leather Mary Jane Pumps. Black. Size 39 1/2 Vintage. Channel your inner Carrie Bradshaw. Pointed toe. Grossgrain trim.
Roger Vivier "Belle Vivier" Rose Gold Patent Leather Flats
By Roger Vivier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Roger Vivier's classic, elegant and edgy, “Belle Vivier” made its debut in Yves Saint Laurent’s 1965 Mondrian collection. The shoe, designed for the historic collection, would come t...
BOTTEGA VENETA Caramel Tan Flower Print Leather Intrecciato Wedge Sandals 39
By Bottega Veneta
Located in Switzerland, CH
With a delicate flower print and a signature intrecciato wedge platform, Bottega Veneta's tan leather sandals are a stylish summer choice. Stunning Bottega Veneta floral print wedge...
Burberry Y2K Size 37 Vintage Nova Check Plaid Rain Boots Red Trim Rubber Wellies
By Burberry, Burberry London
Located in San Diego, CA
Iconic early 2000s Burberry rain boots featuring the house’s signature Nova Check pattern layered with the equestrian knight motif—an unmistakable hallmark of the brand’s peak Y2K er...
Céline Sandale EU38.5 Phoebe Philo Burgundy Leather Sandals UK5.5 US8 NEW Celine
By Celine, Phoebe Philo
Located in PARIS, FR
Céline sandals by Phoebe Philo in burgundy leather with wide criss-cross straps adorned with gold eyelets, adjustable gold pin buckle closure at the ankle, and a square block heel. L...
Gucci Ottavia GG Platform Pumps 145mm IT38.5
By Gucci
Located in Brossard, QC
These Ottavia platform pumps reinterpret Gucci’s heritage codes through a bold, sculptural silhouette. Crafted in Italy from rich burgundy GG-embossed leather, the loafer-inspired de...
Lanvin Watersnake Wooden Wedge Sandal EU 39 High Platform Leather Ankle Strap
By Lanvin Paris
Located in San Diego, CA
Lanvin Watersnake Wooden Wedge Sandal EU 39 Platform size EU 39 approx US 8 Lanvin 2012 Ete As seen on Jessica Simpson in 2012 brown leather (calf) straps cream/grey snakeskin ove...
Prada Sandales Compensees Bijou FR40 Wedge Heels Diamond Sandals UK6.5 US9
By Prada
Located in PARIS, FR
Prada wedge sandals in gold or camel-colored leather with thin front decorated with large white rhinestones, heel covered in rope, leather lining and insole, leather and rubber outso...
Missoni ballerina n37 with box
By Missoni
Located in Basaluzzo, IT
Missoni ballerinas new with box n37 Fuchsia color , round toe, little bow Suola 24cm 1cm heel
Missoni Leather ballerina size 37
By Missoni
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Cocco like leather Black color Ankle closure Multicolor embroidered pointed toe
Missoni Leather ballerina size 37 1/2
By Missoni
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Leather Black and pink color Fancy
Missoni Multicolor Sandal Heels, Size 41
By Missoni
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Product details: The shoes feature multicolored knit pattern with gold tone geometric heel and round toeline.
Missoni Italy Chevron Ebony Wood Platform Sandals Size 39
By Missoni
Located in University City, MO
Missoni Italy Chevron knit ebony wood platform sandals Size 39 The edgy Italian clog style shoes are designed with Missoni's iconic chevron knit zig zag...
Missoni Zig Zag Metallic Tapestry Leather Platform Heels Shoes, Size 38.5 / 8.5
By Missoni
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Newlyweds Ottavio and Rosita Missoni founded their Italian knitwear label in the Fifties, but it wasn’t until 1967, after Rosita had begun experimenting with a machine used to make ...
MISSONI Size 6.5 Purple Fabric & Black Patent Leather Bow Pumps
By Missoni
Located in San Francisco, CA
MISSONI pumps in an abstract Missoni multicolor knit over leather featuring a round toe with patent leather bow and covered stiletto heel. Made in Italy. Retails at $550.00. Good Pr...