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.
1990s Missoni Vintage Silk Chiffon Swirl Heart Print Flutter Ruffle Blouse Top
By Missoni
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful early 90s MISSONI silk chiffon blouse! Features vibrant hues of green, blue, red, brown and yellow. Gold metallic thread sewn throughout. Double ...
1990s Missoni Vintage Flower + Logo Silk Rayon Jersey 90s Empire Waist Top Shirt
By Missoni
Located in San Diego, CA
Wonderful vintage 90s MISSONI silk + rayon jersey empire waist sleeveless top! Features flowers in vibrant hues of green, purple, blue and pink throughout....
Missoni Pink and Orange Knitted Short Sleeve Top – S
By Missoni
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This Missoni knitted top is short sleeved with a v-neck. There are orange and pink stripes with white detailing. There is a small scallop trim on the ...
Missoni 2019 Top Chemise Viscose FR38 Zigzag Intarsia Knit Shirt Blouse UK10 US8
By Missoni
Located in PARIS, FR
Missoni multicolor intarsia knit shirt on a white background, slightly oversized fit, ribbed collar with 7 buttons, long sleeves with ribbed cuffs. Size 42IT, which is 38FR or UK10 a...
Vintage Missoni Metallic Silk Jersey Top and Skirt Set
By Missoni
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Divine silky Missoni blouson top with a matching midi skirt. Multi- Color metallics with silver threading.
$652
Size: F 36 (Vintage)
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Wine Red Silk Tie Neck Open Front Blouse, 1970s/1980s
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Munich, DE
This is a beautiful deep wine red silk blouse by Yves Saint Laurent from the late 1970s or early 1980s with a celebrity bonus. It comes direct from the estate of Hannelore Elsner, an...
Yohji Yamamoto FW 2020 Runway Distressed Corset
By Yohji Yamamoto
Located in Mentone, CA
An iconic piece from Yohji Yamamoto's Fall/Winter 2020 collection, this distressed corset exemplifies the designer's signature approach to deconstructed tailoring and avant-garde sil...
S/S 1997 Gucci by Tom Ford Red Ombré Sheer Silk Oversized Tunic Top
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a beautiful sheer ombré shirt designed by Tom Ford for Gucci's Spring/Summer 1997 collection. The button closure stops about halfway up the front for a plunging neckline. ...
S/S 1995 Gianni Versace Couture Lady Bug Garden Baroque Print Button Up Silk Top
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a stunning silk Gianni Versace Couture button-up shirt designed by Gianni Versace. Constructed entirely of printed silk, this shirt is covered in the brand's iconic baroque pattern and ladybug/butterfly print. This stunning archival top...
Chanel 1990's CC Buttons Abstract Print Blouse
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
A vintage Chanel printed blouse that NEEDS to be in your closet! This is the most fun shirt and will lift your mood instantly. It features a butto...
$5,772
Size: FR42 - UK12 - US8
Chloé by Stella McCartney Beaded and Embroidered Silk Evening Blouse, FW 2000
By Chloé, Stella McCartney
Located in London, GB
▪ Brand: Chloé ▪ Creative Director: Stella McCartney ▪ Collection: Fall-Winter 2000 ▪ Fabric: Silk ▪ Size: FR42 - UK12 - US8 ▪ Made in: France ▪ Condition: Very Good ▪ Mannequin: 183...
Gucci x Tom Ford F/W 2003 Silk Ruched Top Blouse
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Melbourne, VIC
Prémode presents Gucci x Tom Ford F/W 2003 Silk Ruched Top Everything is romantic, including this absolutely divine silk top from Gucci x Tom Ford Fall/Winter 2003 collection. Cut f...
NWT F/W 2003 Gucci by Tom Ford Deep Red Stretch Satin Quilted Corset Tie Blouse
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a vibrant red silk satin Gucci blouse designed by Tom Ford. From the Fall/Winter 2003 collection, this beautiful top features quilted details on the body creating a corset...
John Galliano baby pink fuzzy knitted crop top with zippers, ss 2000
By John Galliano
Located in London, GB
▪ John Galliano crop top ▪ Spring-Summer 2000 ▪ Constructed from baby pink fuzzy Angora ▪ Asymmetric cut ▪ Zip fastening at the chest extending into two halter-neck ties ▪ Spaghet...
Hermès Margiela Era Vintage Brown Scarf Shirt Sz IT38
By Hermès
Located in Melbourne, VIC
From Martin Margiela’s revered tenure at Hermès, this vintage brown scarf shirt embodies the quiet luxury that defined the house during the late 1990s. Crafted in France from fluid s...
Valentino lace beige top body shirt
By Valentino Couture
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Valentino lace top in a beautiful beige colorway Material: Lace Color: Beige Designer: Valentino Garavani Skirt length: 55 cm 21,65 inches Size : 44 O...
Unworn Vintage GUCCI Cotton Floral Wrap Top Size 44
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage GUCCI wrap top is crafted of 100% cotton in white printed with multicolored foral and insect details. Wrap style with 4-hole adjustable. Made in Italy Size 44. Conditio...
MISSONI Floral Silk & Crochet Knit & Draped Scarf Blouse Top 40
By Missoni
Located in Switzerland, CH
Designed by Missoni in its signature weave pattern, this blouse is too stylish to resist! A wonderful combination of Missoni's signature crochet knit with colorful printed floral s...
MISSONI Size 2 Yellow Leaf Print Silk Pleated Sleeveles Blouse
By Missoni
Located in San Francisco, CA
MISSONI camisole top comes in yellow leaves print silk with a tied scoop neck ands ruffled A line hem. Made in Italy.Excellent Pre-Owned Condition. Marked: IT 38 Measurements: ...
Missoni Women's Grey Silk Floral Petal Button Up Blouse
By Missoni
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Never Worn. No visible wear to blouse is evident on this used Missoni designer resale item. Details Multicolour- Grey, redd, orange, purple and yellow Silk Long sleeves ...
MISSONI Size 2 Grey Silver Mohair Blend Knitted Casual Top
By Missoni
Located in San Francisco, CA
MISSONI casual tank top comes in grey and silver mohair blend knitted featuring U-neck. Made in Italy. Very Good Pre-Owned Condition. Marked: 38 Measurements: Shoulder: 12 in Bust...
MISSONI Size 4 Multi-Color Stripe Lurex Halter Dress Top
By Missoni
Located in San Francisco, CA
MISSONI dress top comes in a multi-color stripe lurex featuring a halter style, cut out, and a back snap button closure. Made in Italy. Very Good Pre-Owned Condition. Marked: No siz...
Missoni Gray Wool and Silk Long Sleeve Top with Cowl Neck Size 40
By Missoni
Located in Rome, Rome
Missoni cowl neck jumper in gray collar. It features long sleeve styling, a round loose collar and a relaxed fit. Composition: 80% Wool, 20% Silk. Made in Italy. Size: 42 IT (The siz...
MISSONI Size S Black Taupe & Pink Viscose Sik Blend Mesh Wrap Pullover
By Missoni
Located in San Francisco, CA
MISSONI sweater comes in light pink, taupe, cream, and black lace mesh textured silk blend knit with a deep V neck, wrap construction, open cape sleeves. Made in Italy. Excellent P...
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Size: Small / Medium
1970s Missoni Vintage Pink Brown Ivory Striped Open Front Cardigan Sweater Top
By Missoni
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic 1970s MISSONI Orange label open front Sweater cardigan! Features warm tone of pink, brown, ivory, and some light blue throughout. Signature Missoni pattern with soft fabric (45% Mohair, 25% Wool, 30% Nylon). Chic tailored fit that can be worn belted or alone. The picture vintage MOSCHINO novelty...
1970s Missoni Printed Silk Jersey Ensemble
By Missoni
Located in New York, NY
Ensemble consists of a skirt and kimono sleeved blouse, elastic waist accommodates up to a size 8.
Missoni Multi Chevron Knit Top - 42
By Missoni
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This Missoni knitted top has a variety of colors including ivory, green, blues, purples, and red. The top is short sleeved with a round neck and sheer...
Missoni Aqua and Beige Knit Top and Skirt - 42
By Missoni
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This Missoni knit set is a mixture of aqua, greens, beige, and white. The top is sleeveless with a beige trim and a v-neck. There are two small slits on the bottom of the side of the...
Vintage Missoni 1990s Turquoise Blue + Yellow + White + Brown Knit Rayon 90s Top
By Missoni
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic vintage late 1990s MISSONI knit rayon sleeveless crochet tank top! Features signature mosaic prints in vibrant teal blue, yellow, brown and white. Tu...