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.
Mah Jong Sofa Missoni Fabrics by Hans Hopfer Roche Bobois 21st C
By Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer, Missoni
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A rare and iconic 21st century Roche Bobois 'Mah Jong' modular sectional sofa designed in 1971 by Hans Hopfer (Germany b. 1931). The sofa is a "Composition Missoni" featuring dramati...
Fabric, Foam
Kartell Mademoiselle "A La Mode" Missoni Sketches Lucite Chair Philippe Starck
By Missoni, Kartell
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Pair of Philippe Stark for Kartell ‘Mademoiselle’ Lucite Chairs in Missoni Floral Upholstered Fabric With Makers Marks Made in Italy Extra dime...
Lucite
Mah Jong Roche Bobois 8-piece sofa by H. Hopfer fine Missoni fabrics
By Roche Bobois, Missoni, Hans Hopfer
Located in Milano, Lombardia
gorgeous Mah Jong model modular seating set from Roche Bobois. This set produced in the early 2000s comes from prestigious residence and has never been used. the fabrics used are of ...
Cotton, Satin, Velvet
Pop Duo Missoni Armchair by Piero Lissoni
By Kartell, Missoni, Piero Lissoni
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pop is the modular sofa with double cushion on the seat and armrests, making it soft, enveloping and even more comfortable. The armchair is also enhanced with side cushions, giving...
Fabric, Plastic
Pop Missoni Sofa 3 Seats by Piero Lissoni
By Piero Lissoni, Kartell, Missoni
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pop is the modular sofa with double cushion on the seat and armrests, making it soft, enveloping and even more comfortable. The armchair is also enhanced with side cushions, giving...
Fabric, Plastic
Pop Missoni Sofa by Piero Lissoni
By Piero Lissoni, Kartell, Missoni
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pop is the modular sofa with double cushion on the seat and armrests, making it soft, enveloping and even more comfortable. The armchair is also enhanced with side cushions, giving...
Fabric, Plastic
H 27 in W 190 in D 114 in
Mah Jong 27 Piece Kenzo Missoni Sofa by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Iconic large Roche Bobois Mah Jong modular 27 piece sectional sofa designed in the mid 20th century by Hans Hopfer (German b. 1931). The dramatic 21st century sofa features Kenzo Tak...
Fabric, Foam
H 27.5 in W 122 in D 35.5 in
Piero Lissoni for Cassina Mex Cube 271 3-Seater Sofa in Elmosoft Saddle Brown
By Piero Lissoni, Cassina
Located in Seattle, WA
A rare and illusive Mex Cube 271 extra wide three-seater sofa, down-filled cushions, completely reupholstered in Elmo-soft Saddle Brown leather. Designed and went into production by ...
Metal
H 29 in W 20 in D 18.5 in
6 Kartell Italy Mademoiselle Chairs by Philippe Starck Black Fabric Lucite
By Philippe Starck, Kartell
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Set of 6 Mademoiselle dining or armchairs in the original black cotton upholstery and with transparent Lucite frames. Designed by Philippe Starck and made in Italy by Kartel...
Fabric, Foam, Lucite
H 29.14 in W 32.68 in D 35.44 in
Set of Two Cognac Leather Longue Chair By Piero Lissoni For Domicil.
By Mid Century Antiques
Located in Čelinac, BA
Set of Two Cognac Leather Longue Chair By Pietro Lissoni for Domicil.
Leather
H 6.7 in W 37.41 in D 37.41 in
Mah Jong sofa in ‘Kenzo Takada’ fabric by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois France
By Roche Bobois
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Very nice Mah Jong modular sofa with the original and colorfull ‘Kenzo Takada’ fabric! Designed by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois France. In the 1970s Hans Hopfer created the Mah Jong...
Fabric
H 26.38 in W 118.12 in D 78.75 in
ROCHE BOBOIS 11 PiECE KENZO MAH JONG BY HANS HOPFER CORNER MODULAR SOFA SET
By Roche Bobois
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this collectable Roche Bobois 11 Piece Kenzo Mah Jong Corner sofa set by Hans Hopfer Please note the deliv...
Upholstery
H 27.56 in W 37.41 in D 37.41 in
Large Mah Jong sofa in original fabric by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois 35 pieces
By Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Large Mah Jong sectional sofa in original fabric designed by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois in original fabric. The sofa features 35 pieces: 20 seat cushions 9 backrest (2 corner back...
Fabric, Foam, Plywood
H 22 in W 24.5 in D 32 in
'Eros' Chairs (pair) -Philippe Starck for Kartell
By Kartell
Located in Napa, CA
Eros Chair by Philippe Starck for Kartell — Italy, Early 2000s An instantly recognizable design by Philippe Starck, the Eros Chair remains one of Kartell’s most iconic creations. Cr...
Chrome
H 27.5 in W 156 in D 38 in
Jean-Paul Gaultier Mah Jong Sofa by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois
By Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer, Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Rio Vista, CA
An iconic and chic Jean Paul Gaultier edition Mah Jong modular sectional sofa designed by Hans Hopfer (Germany b. 1931) for Roche Bobois. The dramatic 21st century sofa features excl...
Fabric, Foam
H 26 in W 118.5 in D 115.5 in
5 Piece Outdoor Mah Jong Sofa Set by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois
Located in Las Vegas, NV
RARELY available 5 Piece Outdoor Mah Jong Sofa by Hans Kopfer for Roche Bobois with platforms. Set consists of 2 corner pieces, 2 chair pieces and a single cushion. 3 single platforms and 2 corners. There are lots of possible configurations. Matching pieces are still available for purchase from Roche Bobois if you would like to expand the set as well. Although designed for the outdoors, it could definitely be used indoor. **SET OF AUTHENTIC ROCHE BOBOIS OUTDOOR...
Metal
H 27.56 in W 37.41 in D 37.41 in
Hans Hopfer 'Mah Jong' Sectional Sofa Lounge Chair by Roche Bobois, France 1990s
By Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois
Located in Wien, AT
In 1971, Hans Hopfer created the Mah Jong Sofa for Roche Bobois: a system of fully modular floor units that champion complete freedom of form and function. Avant-garde at the time of...
Fabric
H 25 in W 114 in D 75 in
Mah Jong by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois 1st Edition Sofa
By Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rare and iconic 1st edition circa 1971 Mah Jong modular sectional sofa consisting of ten element pillows. The sofa was designed by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois in this avant-garde de...
Fabric, Foam
H 21 in W 228 in D 115 in
Mah Jong Kenzo Missoni Sectional Sofa by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois
By Missoni, Kenzo Takada, Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Iconic large Roche Bobois Mah Jong modular 22 piece sectional sofa designed in the mid 20th century by Hans Hopfer (German b. 1931). This special set measures 19 feet wide and featu...
Fabric, Foam
H 7.49 in W 37.41 in D 37.41 in
Mah Jong Modular Sofa by Kenzo Takada & Missoni for Roche Bobois, Set of 18
By Hans Hopfer, Missoni, Kenzo Takada, Roche Bobois
Located in Buccinasco, MI
An iconic and highly decorative Mah Jong modular sofa, originally designed by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois, presented here in a rare and sophisticated configuration upholstered with ...
Fabric, Cotton, Upholstery, Foam
H 27.56 in W 37.41 in D 37.41 in
Mah Jong lounge chair in Missooni fabric, Roche Bobois
By Roche Bobois, Missoni
Located in amstelveen, NL
Roche Bobois Mah lounge chair/chaise lounge. Upper cushion by Missoni. This Mah Jong Chair brings iconic design into any space. Upholstered in Missoni’s signature woven fabric, it ...
Cotton, Velvet
H 14.18 in W 112.21 in D 74.81 in
Mah Jong Roche Bobois 11-element sofa by H. Hopfer fabrics Missoni
By Missoni, Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois
Located in Milano, Lombardia
gorgeous Mah Jong model modular seating set from Roche Bobois. This set produced in the early 2000s comes from prestigious residence and has never been used. the fabrics used are of ...
Cotton, Satin, Velvet
H 34.5 in W 21.5 in D 21 in
Eleganza Ela Missoni Set of 4 Chairs by Philippe Starck for Kartell
By Philippe Starck, Missoni, Kartell
Located in San Diego, CA
Eleganza Ela Missoni Side Chairs from Kartell features a frame made from post-industrial recycled thermoplastic technopolymer derived from Illy coffee pods. Designed by Philippe Sta...
Fabric, Plastic
H 20.87 in W 149.61 in D 112.21 in
Mah Jong Modular Landscape Lounge Sofa by Hans Hopfer & Missoni for Roche Bobois
By Missoni, Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois
Located in Izegem, VWV
The Mah Jong sofa group was designed by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois in 1971. Large modular sofa with a mixture of components, hand-sewn rolled edge, quilted seat and back cushions,...
Fabric, Silk
H 29.5 in W 29.5 in D 33 in
1980s Postmodern Lounge Chairs - Set of 2
By Missoni
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 1980s, pair of postmodern lounge chairs, reupholstered in a beautifully stitched linen fabric. The varying earth tone colors of the fabric add a unique and cool vibe to any s...
Linen
H 27 in W 156 in D 118 in
Mah Jong Sofa by Missoni for Roche Bobois, 2000s Italy
By Missoni, Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Mah Jong sofa designed by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois. An iconic sofa design made in Italy and fully upholstered in stunning original Missoni fabric. Not a single stain or...
Fabric
H 25 in W 161 in D 77 in
Vintage Roche Bobois Mah Jong Missoni Sofa
By Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer, Missoni
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Wonderful large vintage Roche Bobois Mah Jong sofa designed by Hans Hopfer in the 1970’s. This set features Missoni fabric. Some of the piec...
Fabric
H 27.75 in W 40 in D 40 in
'Mah Jong' 11 Piece Living Room Set by Missoni for Roche Bobois France, Signed
By Missoni, Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This large living room set designed by Hans Hopfer and edited by Missoni for Roche Bobois, is called the "Mah Jong" sectional sofa. Included in this set are eleven (11) pieces in total which include 7 square seat cushions (which also function as large ottomans and can be stacked), 3 straight seat backs (one of which has the upgraded tilt-back feature) and 1 corner back. Signed with Roche Bobois labels and repeat fabric. The best part of this set is that you can mix and match the cushions, pillows and seat backs to make any style arrangement you wish, and create a customized room which you can change as frequently as your heart desires... you can create small and large sofas, loveseats, lounge chairs and ottomans using...
Fabric
H 27.75 in W 40 in D 40 in
'Mah Jong' 27 Piece Living Room Set by Missoni for Roche Bobois France, Signed
By Missoni, Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This incredibly large living room set designed by Hans Hopfer and edited by Missoni for Roche Bobois, is called the "Mah Jong" sectional sofa. Includ...
Fabric
H 27.56 in W 157.49 in D 118.12 in
'Mah Jong' 20 Piece Living Room Set by Missoni for Roche Bobois France, Signed
By Roche Bobois, Missoni
Located in Dronten, NL
This large living room set is by Missoni for Roche Bobois, called the "Mah Jong" sectional sofa but also included is a Missoni Home 'Domino' room siz...
Fabric, Foam