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 Set of Silvered Zig-Zag Bangle Bracelet with Multicolor Enamel
By Missoni
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning Missoni, Italy bracelet bangles feature a zig-zag shape with enamel decor. The silvered metal framing is ornate with multicolor enamel, similar to the brand's iconic s...
Enamel
Missoni Multi-Strand Multicolor Metal, Lucite and Leather Cuff Bracelet
By Missoni
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is an exceptional Missoni bangle bracelet, designed by the renowned fashion house. A rare and striking piece, it showcases a cuff shape with a multi-layer design that seamlessly...
Missoni Extra-Wide Multicolor Couture By-Pass Bangle Bracelet 2014 Collection
By Missoni
Located in Atlanta, GA
Missoni, Italy, created this gorgeous couture bracelet bangle for its ready-to-wear spring 2014 runway collection. The rare piece boasts an asymmetric, oversized shape built with a r...
Missoni Italy Gilded Metal Chain Link Bracelet with Enamel Dangling Charms
By Missoni
Located in Atlanta, GA
A bold and whimsical statement piece from Missoni, Italy, this exceptional link bracelet showcases the brand's signature flair for vibrant design and artistic detail. The wide, weigh...
Enamel, Gilt Metal
Missoni Italy Gilded Metal Chain Link Bracelet with Enamel Dangling Charms
By Missoni
Located in Atlanta, GA
A bold and whimsical statement piece from Missoni, Italy, this exceptional link bracelet showcases the brand's signature flair for vibrant design and artistic detail. The wide, weigh...
Enamel, Gilt Metal
Missoni Bi-Color Bracelet Bangle 2014 Runway Collection
By Missoni
Located in Atlanta, GA
Make a bold statement with this exceptional Missoni couture bracelet, designed for the brand's ready-to-wear Spring 2014 runway show. A rare and striking piece, it showcases an asymm...
Missoni Extra-Wide Multicolor By-Pass Couture Bangle Bracelet 2014 Collection
By Missoni
Located in Atlanta, GA
Missoni, Italy, created this superb couture bracelet bangle for its ready-to-wear spring 2014 runway show. The rare piece boasts an asymmetric oversized shape built with soft plastic rubber-like material in a wrapped-around shape. The transparent soft plastic band has black chevron fabric embedded inside the material along with hot pink, lavender, and purple paint gel inclusions. The engraved Missoni logo brand is on the side. About the spring 2014 collection, Vogue said: "With the explosive crash of waves on rocks...
Missoni Set of Black Resin Bangle Bracelet with Bi-Color Polka Dots
By Missoni
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning Missoni, Italy acrylic lucite bracelet bangles feature a carved, waved shape with a discreet opening on the side. The rare pieces were designed by Missoni in Italy in ...
Vintage Chanel Extra Wide Black Cuff With Gold Tone CC Logo Designs 2 7/16 inch
By Chanel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Chanel made this dramatic cuff in the mid 1980s. The gold tone CC logos cover the entire cuff over the black plastic background underneath. Open back design for ease of putting on an...
Blue Enamel Faux Rose cut Bangle Bracelet
Located in Hoffman Estates, IL
Gold tone hinged blue enamel bracelet featuring faux uncut diamond crystals and rhinestones. Inner diameter 65.00 mm (2.5 in), inner circumference 204.2 mm (7.00 in) FOLLOW MEGHN...
Zircon, Base Metal, Enamel
Mexican Silver Shadow Box Bracelet
Located in Point Richmond, CA
This stunning and hefty sterling silver bracelet is likely from the same workshop as Los Ballesteros. Featuring a shadowbox design of hand-crafted alternating large and small hinged ...
Silver
CHANEL gold-tone metal 22S NO 5 PERFUME BOTTLE Dangle Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic pair of Chanel pearl resin crystal embellished CC No.5 perfume bottledrop earrings is a dazzling homage to Chanel’s iconic legacy. In a sophisticated light gold-t...
Elsa Schiaparelli Vintage Crystal Cornucopia Bracelet 1950s
By Elsa Schiaparelli
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Elsa Schiaparelli Kristallen Cornucopia Armband Een uitzonderlijke vintage Elsa Schiaparelli armband uitgevoerd in het iconische cornucopia-motief (hoorn des overvloeds). De sculptu...
Crystal
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Sapphire Gold Snake Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A rare Van Cleef & Arpels vintage gold bracelet with a snake design; features sapphires and diamonds. The bracelet is crafted as two stylized cobra snakes, with the heads staged side by side. The snake “bodies” are flexible and comprise connected movable sections. One of the “tails” features a diamond on the clasp. Each snake’s “head” is adorned with three graduated in size, vertically lined up, round cut diamonds. Above the diamonds there are five channel set sapphires. They are baguette cut and are graduated in size as well. This vintage VCA sapphire...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
$1,200
H 3 in W 8 in D 2.5 in Dm 5 in L 8 in
Elsa Schiaparelli Vintage 1950's Faux Turquoise and Rhinestone Cluster Bracelet
By Elsa Schiaparelli
Located in North Miami, FL
This beautiful vintage Elsa Schiaparelli bracelet has 5-oval connected discs with faux turquoise and rhinestone clusters against gold filled brass. There is a safety chain on it. Thi...
Turquoise
8.20 Carat Cubic Zirconia 14Kt Yellow Gold Fancy Art Deco Filigree Swirl Bangle
By Lustre of London
Located in London, GB
An intricate and dazzling design. Wear this striking piece to add impact and glamour to that special celebration. Featuring 8.20ct of the highest quality round brilliant cut cubic ...
Gold, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold, Rhodium, Silver, Sterling Silver
Bochic Capri 24ct Natural Multi Gem Bracelet in 18K Gold & Silver, 1998
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Pink Quartz, Peridot, Ruby & Multi-Gem Bracelet / Bangle Set in 18K Gold & 950 Silver Elegant Italian Chic • Signed Piece • Certificate & Appraisal Included Natu...
Ruby, Quartz, Peridot, Agate, Silver, Gold Plate, 18k Gold
Hermès Clic Clac Enamel Bracelet Parures des Maharajas Pink Gold Size PM
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous and rare authentic Hermès Bracelet "Clic Clac" Version Print: "Parures des Maharajas (maharajas' adornments) Pattern: gemstone and pearl jewelry Stamp B Made of Printed...
Gold Plate, Enamel
Hermès Enamel Bracelet Dolphins in See Narrow Phw Size PM 65
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Bracelet Print: Dolphins in See "Made in Austria + C" Vintage bracelet from 1999 Made of enamel and palladium ...
Enamel, Palladium
$1,600
H 0.19 in W 0.75 in Dm 3.07 in
Set of Three Chanel Bangles- Blue, Dark Blue and Black with Gold Tone CC Logo
By Chanel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This set of three CHANEL bangles was released as part of the 2007 Cruise collection. All are imbedded with the CHANEL crossed C logo at three points aroun...
Gold Plate
Missoni Multi-Strand Multicolor Cuff Bracelet
By Missoni
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is an exceptional Missoni bangle bracelet, designed by the renowned fashion house. A rare and striking piece, it showcases a cuff shape with a multi-layer design that seamlessly...
Sold
W 0.32 in Dm 2.84 in L 8.9 in
Missoni Italy Gilded Metal Bangle Bracelet with Enamel Dangling Charms
By Missoni
Located in Atlanta, GA
This romantic Missoni, Italy bangle bracelet features a trio of gilded metal thin band bangles ornated with floral dangling charms. The dangle elements are a huge and small flower, c...
Enamel, Gilt Metal
Sold
W 0.25 in Dm 2.75 in
Missoni Italy Gilded Metal Bangle Bracelet with Green and Purple Enamel Charms
By Missoni
Located in Atlanta, GA
Missoni, Italy, designed this romantic bangle bracelet with dangling charms. The piece features a trio of gilded metal thin band bangles ornated with floral dangle elements. The dang...
Enamel, Gilt Metal
Missoni Multi-Color Brown, Black and White Bangle Bracelet
By Missoni
Located in Amman, JO
Missoni Multi-color brown, black and white, bangle bracelet. Additional information: Overall Condition: New
Silver
Sold
W 0.79 in Dm 2.6 in L 8.16 in
Missoni Italy Massive Flying Saucer Wood Bracelet with Maroon Enamel
By Missoni
Located in Atlanta, GA
A stunning Missoni, Italy, ethnic-inspired wooden bracelet. A massive flying saucer shape bracelet made of tropical wood with maroon enamel paint appli...
Enamel
Sold
W 0.79 in Dm 2.56 in L 8.04 in
Missoni Italy Massive Flying Saucer Wood Bracelet with Turquoise Enamel
By Missoni
Located in Atlanta, GA
A lovely Missoni, Italy, ethnic-inspired wooden bracelet. A massive flying saucer shape bracelet made of tropical wood with turquoise blue enamel p...
Enamel
Sold
W 2.37 in Dm 2.56 in
Missoni Italy 1980 Green Resin Cuff Bracelet with Multicolor Iconic Smiling Face
By Missoni
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rare iconic Missoni, Italy cuff bracelet. This 1980s couture Italian designer, Rosita Missoni bracelet is adorned with a multi-color iconic smiling face. Emerald green resin background with the hand-enameled multicolor smiling face. No visible signature. Comes with its original branded gift dust bag. The Missoni smiling face design is displayed on plastic jewelry...