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 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
Vintage Monet Statement Gold Weave Bracelet 1980s
By Monet
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A striking Vintage Monet Weave Bracelet. Crafted in gold plated metal. In very good vintage condition. Signed. Approx. 20cms. This one will prove itse...
Syna Jewels 18K Yellow Gold Cosmic Wide Link Bracelet, 7 Inch Length
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold 7 inch length with box clasp Safety closure Crafted in luxurious 18 karat yellow gold, this 8-inch-long bracelet can be clasped at any desired lengt...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 9ct Gold, Pearl & Jadeite Bracelet
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Bracelet 9ct Gold Tagged Circa 1940’s Pretty Little Vintage Bracelet. Set with Two Colour Gold Links, Cultured Pearl & Jadeite. Measures Length Approx 7 Inches Width...
Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold
Antique French 18K Yellow Gold Link Bracelet, Circa 1910, 33.98g
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique French bracelet crafted in 18 karat yellow gold; part of our diverse antique jewellery and estate jewelry collections. This exceptional, ...
Yellow Gold
$6,575
H 4 in W 4 in D 0.25 in Dm 3 in L 7 in
Vintage Christian Lacroix Gold Link Bracelet with Crystals, 1990s
By Christian Lacroix Paris
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Christian Lacroix Paris Gold Bracelet with Dangling Crystals. My favorite Lacroix piece! There are long bars with crystals in between, and then large, round crystals hang fr...
Mixed Metal
Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co. 18k Yellow Gold & Silver Links Bracelet
By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co. 18k Yellow Gold & Silver Links Bracelet Composed of concave circular links, one side is made of 18 karat yellow gold and the other is made of silver...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
19th Century Rose-Cut Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Silver Bracelet
Located in Poitiers, FR
Bracelet in 18 karat yellow gold, and silver. This magnificent antique bracelet is made up of 7 oval-shaped links, openworked with floral motifs set with antique brilliant-cut diamonds and rose-cut diamonds. They are held and articulated between them by brilliant- cut and antique cushion- cut diamonds . The clasp is ratchet. Length : 18.3 cm, width : 1.6 cm. Total weight of the jewel : approximately 25.4 g. Authentic antique jewel - Work of the 19th century. Our opinion : A beautiful antique diamond...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Greek Emerald Diamond Ruby Gold Ram's Head Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Impressive Greek made 18k gold bracelet, featuring two ram's heads, adorned with emerald cabochon, ruby eyes and approx. 0.30ctw H/Si diamonds. Bracelet will fit an average size wris...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold
Bottega Veneta Two-Tone 18K Diamond Torcello Link Bracelet
By Bottega Veneta
Located in London, GB
- Rhodium-Plated - 18K White Gold - 18K Yellow Gold - Diamond embellishment - Torcello link design - Hallmarked with brand and 750 - Polished finish -35 gr of gold cca - Condition: V...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Robert Lee Morris Gold Circle Link Bracelet 1980s
By Robert Lee Morris
Located in Wallkill, NY
Early RLM Gold Gilt Circle Bracelet. From the early years of his career. Measuring .95 on the links. 8 inches End to end. will fit a 6-6.5" nicely. This is out of a massive collectio...
Gold Plate
$495
W 0.5 in L 7.9 in
Bulgari Inspired Two-Tone Gold Plated Link Bracelet With Rhinestones circa 1990s
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This stunning Joan Rivers Two-Tone Gold Plated Link Bracelet with Rhinestones from the circa 1990s is a timeless piece that exudes both elegance and vintage charm. The bracelet featu...
Round Diamond Line Tennis Bracelet in Yellow Gold 3.85 Carat, 14 K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Meet the ultimate bold tennis bracelet. The single row of prong set Round Brilliant cut Total Diamond weighs Approximately 3.85 total carats. That's enough to draw all eyes and add...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold