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 Bi-Color Rigid Collar Necklace, Spring 2014 Collection
By Missoni
Located in Atlanta, GA
Missoni Italy created this incredible couture choker necklace for its ready-to-wear spring 2014 runway show. The piece features an asymmetric shape, built with a gunmetal rigid band,...
Missoni Italy Important Acrylic Lucite Geometric Bib Necklace
By Missoni
Located in Atlanta, GA
Missoni Italy designed this striking statement bib necklace. The link necklace features a large bib design with geometric elements in jet-black acrylic resin or Lucite. Each componen...
$199Sale Price|40% Off
Missoni Brown Fringe Gold Metal Choker Necklace
By Missoni
Located in London, GB
Missoni Brown Fringe Gold Metal Choker Necklace This timeless design is crafted from enduring gold metal, showcasing a modern fringe texture. It's an effortless way to upgrade any ou...
MISSONI c.1980's Pink Salmon Lucite Oval Hoops Statement Necklace NOS
By Missoni
Located in Thiensville, WI
Extremely Rare - Vintage Missoni c.1980's New old stock pink salmon lucite oval hoops statement necklace. Pink salmon semi-translucent marbleized lucite like plastic. Double strand s...
Petite Pearl Gold Bead Collar Length Necklace
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Understated elegance describes this attractive 14 inch collar length beaded necklace. The strand includes quality Akoya Pearls ranging in size 3.5mm to 5.5mm are alternately hand str...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Bulgari Diamond Necklace in 18K Gold Art Deco aesthetic Elysium Collection
By Bulgari
Located in Dallas, TX
Exceptionally stylish Bulgari diamond necklace from Elysium collection showcasing 8 carats of fine white diamonds set in 18 karat gold. The ne...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Cartier Bamboo 20cts Diamond Necklace in 18 Karat Gold
By Cartier
Located in Dallas, TX
Dazzling vintage Cartier Bamboo necklace showcasing approximately 20 carats of exceptionally brilliant white round diamonds impeccably set in lustrous 18 karat yellow gold. The necklace rests effortlessly and comfortably on the collar, allowing for a full display of its exceptional radiance. It consists of 22 segments, each adorned throughout with scintillating diamonds of finest Cartier quality. Each segment is masterfully designed as a finely textured bamboo stalk that exhibits exquisite sculptural quality. The diamonds are pavé-set with remarkable precision within delicately crafted piped-gold veins that faithfully mimic bamboo surface. The gently curving necklace has a clean rounded silhouette giving it a modern but timeless sensibility. A shimmering texture and 3-dimensional quality infuse the piece with luxurious boldness. A masterpiece of ingenious and detailed design from celebrated Cartier that is classically elegant and glamorously chic all at once. - Timelessly elegant Bamboo design from iconic Cartier, bursting with diamond sparkle and vintage glamour - Necklace features approximately 20 carats of finest white round diamonds (approximately F-G color, VVS-VS clarity) set in 18 karat yellow gold - Vintage full-diamond Cartier Bamboo necklace, dating to 1980s, is rare and highly collectible, and in excellent condition - Necklace internal circumference measures approximately 16.5 inches (42cm) as it fits comfortably around the collar, and it closes with a hidden, secure clasp - Signed Cartier, with a serial number, with French hallmarks and stamped 750 for 18 karat gold - Accompanied by a Cartier envelope...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Craig Drake Diamond Yellow Gold Necklace
By Craig Drake
Located in Dallas, TX
Diamonds (5.75 ctw. H-VS) 18K yellow gold 204.5 Grams 16" Diamond weight is approximate
Diamond, 18k Gold
South Sea Tahitian Pearl Necklace with 14 Karat White Gold Clasp
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Fabulous fine South Sea Tahitian Pearl Necklace consisting of forty-one genuine graduated lustrous rich Tahitian Pearls ranging from 10.5mm to 15.25mm. The strand measures 20 inches ...
South Sea Pearl, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 30cts Diamond Ceylon Sapphire Necklace in 18 Karat Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Dallas, TX
Van Cleef & Arpels dazzling collar necklace bursting with brilliance of approximately 19 carats of finest white diamonds which are complemented by 11 carats of vividly-colored blue and yellow Ceylon sapphires (GIA and AGL certified as Ceylon/Sri Lanka geographic origin), all meticulously set in 18 karat yellow gold. The necklace is designed as a seamless series of thirty-two gold panels, each with a gracefully scalloped outer edge and pavé-set with brilliant-cut round diamonds. Each of the seven center-front panels is embellished by a large pear-shaped sapphire of richly saturated hue, alternating between yellow and blue colored sapphires. The panels gently curve from their inner to outer edge, giving maximum exposure to impeccably set diamonds and resulting in exceptional overall necklace brilliance. The sapphires add just the right amount of gem opulence and intrigue to this elegant design. Van Cleef expertly uses each necklace element – its scalloped silhouette, curved panels, and sparkling pavéd diamond surface – to create an appearance of a luminous and dressy lace collar. True to its luxurious French heritage...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, White Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Go...
Vintage Lapis Lazuli Beaded Necklace
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The blue of the gorgeous lapis stone beads really pop in this necklace. Shortest Length: 44cm Longest Length: 56 Large Bead Diameter: 10mm Weight: 139g
Lapis Lazuli
$1,391Sale Price / item|30% Off
L 16 in
PANIM 1Carat Mille Etoiles Necklace with 10 Dangling Diamond in 18Karat RoseGold
By PANIM
Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
PANIM 1 Carat Mille Etoiles Necklace with 10 Dangling Diamond in 18Karat RoseGold Very delicate, yet with 1 carat of diamonds! This necklace feature 10 white diamond full drops cut...
White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold
$28,500 / item
Maharaja 12.59 Carat Rose Cut Diamond Necklace
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
The Maharaja collection is inspired by the Moghul Era & Indian heritage. A stunning antique style necklace is handmade in 14K gold and sterling ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver
$711Sale Price|20% Off
22 Karat Gold Vermeil Senelagos Bar Trio Choker by Chee Lee Designs
By Chee Lee New York
Located in New York, NY
This 15/16 inch necklace is 22 Karat Yellow Gold Vermeil with three iconic Chee Lee Designs Senelagos Links. Check out our other Senelagos Collection...
22k Gold, Vermeil
Cartier Diamond Necklace in Two Tone 18K Gold
By Cartier
Located in Dallas, TX
Exceptional Cartier diamond necklace in 18 karat yellow and white gold. The necklace is composed of alternating high-polish yellow and white gold diamond-patterned links. The wider c...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Big Blue Aquamarine Rondel Beaded Necklace with 18 Carat Mat Yellow Gold Clasp
Located in Kirschweiler, DE
This BIG Sky Blue Aquamarine Rondel Beaded Necklace with 18 Carat Mat Yellow Gold Clasp is totally handmade on German quality standard. The screw clasp is easy to handle and very sec...
Aquamarine, Crystal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Missoni Gunmetal Crochet Faceted Stones Statement Necklace
By Missoni
Located in Rome, Rome
Beautiful Missoni Necklace. Gunmetal chain with big faceted artificial stones surrounded by crochet knit. Spring ring closure. Total lenght: 25 inches - 63.5 cm Condition A - EXCELLE...
Pre-Loved Missoni Women's Oversized Statement Necklace
By Missoni
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Very good. Minimal wear to necklace is evident. Minimal wear to the pendent where residual glue can be seen on this used Missoni designer resale item. Details Black and ...
Missoni Italy Multicolor Resin Charm Necklace
By Missoni
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rare 1980s Haute Couture Missoni Italy dangling multicolor resin charms necklace. The large gunmetal chain is ornated with dangling charms. Each dangle element is on the gambling theme, chess pieces (rook, knight, pawn), and card colors (spade, heart, club, diamond). The choker boasts orange, purple, ruby red, and fuchsia assorted transparent colors. There is a spring-ring closing clasp. No signature is visible on the necklace, but it will be delivered with its original Missoni sequined...
Missoni Necklace
By Missoni
Located in New York, NY
French blue resin and rhinestone link necklace with 2" drop "Missoni" letters