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.” By then, Ottavio had been creating tapestries, and some of his knitted fabrics were shown in an exhibition at Galleria Il Naviglio in Venice in 1975.
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 Ottavio Missoni tapestries, rugs and other furniture today on 1stDibs.
Stunning 1980s Italian Post-Modern Wool Rug by Missoni for T&J Vestor
By Ottavio Missoni
Located in Milano, IT
An exceptional and vibrant wool rug designed by the legendary Italian fashion and textile designer Ottavio Missoni, dating from the 1980s. Known for revolutionizing knitwear and patt...
Wool
"Mandarin" carpet by Ottavio Missoni for T&J Vestor, Italy 1980s
By Ottavio Missoni
Located in Firenze, FI
This rug designed by Ottavio Missoni for T&J Vestor has dimensions: 240 cm. X 168 cm. It is a worked rectangular carpet wool with a polychromatic floral pattern. Of great decorative...
Wool
Missoni tapestry in wool signed Giorgio Saporiti '93
By Ottavio Missoni, Giorgio Saporiti
Located in Firenze, FI
Missoni tapestry, made by Giorgio Saporiti in 1993, as reported by the signature on the back. The design features a geometric pattern of repeated square blocks. The dominant colors...
Wool
Vintage Hand-Knotted Rug, model "Orion" designed by Ottavio Missoni for Missoni
By Ottavio Missoni, Missoni
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a breathtaking postmodern rug designed by Ottavio Missoni for Missoni. Model "Orion" is an iconic piece designed as a patc...
Wool
1980s Geometric Wool Rug by Ottavio Missoni, Vibrant Colors
By Ottavio Missoni
Located in Milano, IT
1980s Stunning rug designed by Ottavio Missoni and produced by T&J Vestor. Exemplifying the bold colorways and complex optical patterns of 1980s Italian Postmodernism, this piece fea...
Wool
1980s Italian Woven Pure Wool "Optic" Rug Ottavio Missoni for T&J Vestor
By Ottavio Missoni
Located in Firenze, FI
Ottavio Missoni "Optic" vintage rug made in the 80s in pure virgin wool by the company T&J Vestor, founded in 1921 by Rosita Missoni, and now acquired by "Missoni Home". The "OPT...
Wool
Rug, design by Ottavio MISSONI for SAPORITI. Italy, 70s
By Ottavio Missoni, Saporiti
Located in Torino, IT
Carpet, design by Ottavio MISSONI for SAPORITI. ORIGIN Italy PERIOD 70s/80s DESIGNER Octavius MISSONI MARK Saporiti MATERIALS Fabrics DIMENSIONS 240 x 240 cm CONDITIONS Perfet...
Fabric
Ottavio Missoni Limited Edition Geometric Rug for Missoni Home
By Missoni, Ottavio Missoni
Located in Conversano, IT
Stunning and rare "Orion T101" rug from the original Missoni Home Arazzi Patchwork collection, designed by Ottavio Missoni in 1991. Handcrafted in Italy from pure virgin wool, this limited-edition piece features complex, multicolored geometric motifs that embody Missoni's signature aesthetic. The design is completed by Missoni's iconic woven signature, marking it as an original collector's item. This particular colorway is extremely rare, distinguishing it from other known versions and vastly superior to recent Missoni rugs not made in Italy. This piece is in very good vintage condition with minimal wear on two corners, not affecting its beauty or integrity. One of the rarest color versions of this design, handmade in Italy. Dimensions Length: 234 cm (92.1 in) Width: 166 cm (65.4 in) Keywords: Missoni Home Rug 1991 - Ottavio Missoni Patchwork Carpet - Vintage Italian Designer Rug - Geometric Wool Rug Missoni...
Wool
Ottavio Missoni wool rug for T&J Vestor, Italy, 1980s
By Ottavio Missoni, Missoni Home
Located in Firenze, FI
This carpet by Ottavio Missoni with measures 235 cm. x 166 cm. is pure wool in the 1980s. It features a harmonious combination of light blue, yellow and brown hues, evoking a vibra...
Wool
Italian modern virgin wool carpet geometric pattern by Missoni, T&J Vestor 1980
By Ottavio Missoni
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern colored virgin wool carpet with geometric pattern by Missoni for T&J Vestor, produced in 1980s. Rectangular carpet, in virgin wool, with a geometric pattern in differe...
Wool
1980s Italian Woven Pure Wool "Arlequine" Rug Ottavio Missoni for T&J Vestor
By Ottavio Missoni
Located in Firenze, FI
Ottavio Missoni "Arlequine" vintage rug made in the 80s in pure virgin wool by the company T&J Vestor, founded in 1921 by Rosita Missoni, and now acquired by Missoni Home. This beaut...
Wool
1980s Geometric Wool Rug by Ottavio Missoni, Vibrant Colors
By Ottavio Missoni
Located in Milano, IT
1980s vintage rug designed by Missoni and crafted by the renowned textile manufacturer T&J Vestor. This piece is a true hallmark of Italian postmodern design, capturing the unmistaka...
Wool
1990s Geometric Woolen Rug by Ottavio Missoni, Italian Design
By Ottavio Missoni
Located in Milano, IT
1990s "Square" woolen rug, a masterclass in textile design by the iconic Ottavio Missoni. Made in Italy during a brilliant era of bold design, this piece perfectly encapsulates the M...
Wool
Mid-Century Designer Rug by Ottavio Missoni
By Ottavio Missoni
Located in Ferrara, IT
This is a one-of-a-kind Italian vintage carpet, woven circa 1920-1950. It's made of wool, and measures 242 x 226 cm in size. The beautiful design is a work of famous designer called ...
Wool
Ottavio Missoni "Rosita" rug produced by T&J Vestor Italia 1980s
By Ottavio Missoni
Located in Firenze, FI
This rug is a fine example of Ottavio Missoni's signature artistic design, made in the 1980s from pure virgin wool by the T&J Vestor company, founded in 1921 by Rosita Missoni. The ...
Wool
Missoni wool rug for T & J Vestor Italia - 1980s
By Ottavio Missoni
Located in Firenze, FI
Ottavio Missoni carpet with geometric design inspired by the chevron pattern, very characteristic of his style. Carpet from the 1980s made of wool by the T & J Vestor company. Chevr...
Wool
$5,124
W 60.24 in L 103.55 in
Stunning Rare Original Vintage Missoni Rug In Pure Wool *FREE WORLDWIDE DELIVERY
By Missoni
Located in Portlaoise, IE
This stunning rare original rug dates from 1989 and has the Missoni signature and date woven into the corner. In pure wool and full of colour and geometric patterns it is certain to ...
Wool
Stunning Vintage Missoni Rug By T &J Vestor in Pure Wool *Free Shipping
By Missoni
Located in Portlaoise, IE
Stunning geometric patterned vintage Missoni wool rug by T & J Vestor. Bearing the original Missoni labels to the side and underneath. An exquisite rug presented in superb vintage co...
Wool
Antique Tapestry Square MilleFleurs Tapestry Fragment Wool Black Textile Art
Located in New York, NY
Antique Tapestry Square Small Scatter Size Wool & Silk Black Rug, Circa Date: 1550s. This extraordinary piece represents a rare survival from the mid-16th century, executed in a ...
Wool, Silk
Pair of Italian Handwoven Tapestries by Renata Bonfanti, 1980s
By Renata Bonfanti
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Pair of Italian Handwoven Tapestries by Renata Bonfanti, 1980s. Pair of Italian textile tapestries created by Renata Bonfanti in the 1980s, crafted in wool and cotton. Characterized...
Fabric, Wool, Cotton
Missoni Post-Modern Wool Rug, 1980s, Italy, Signed
By Missoni Home, Missoni
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Attention interior designers, this is the rug you need for that high-profile cover-worthy room you're working on. This signed Missoni rug is from the 1980s Italy and in an oh-so-on-t...
Wool
Rug, design by Ottavio MISSONI for SAPORITI. Italy, 70s
By Ottavio Missoni, Saporiti
Located in Torino, IT
Carpet, design by Ottavio MISSONI for SAPORITI. ORIGIN Italy PERIOD 70s/80s DESIGNER Octavius MISSONI MARK Saporiti MATERIALS Fabrics DIMENSIONS 240 x 240 cm CONDITIONS Perfet...
Fabric
$378Sale Price / item|25% Off
W 64.97 in L 90.56 in
Mustard colour Dhurrie Wool Rug by Cecilia Setterdahl for Carpets CC
By Carpets CC
Located in Dubai, Dubai
Design Title: "31st October Yellow" Carpets CC is the carpet design brand of Cecilia Setterdahl. She uses bold colours and geometrical forms to create besp...
Wool
$7,600Sale Price|20% Off
H 79.14 in W 60.24 in D 0.3 in
Antique French Tapestry Verdure Signed 1880 Wool & Silk 5x7 153cm x 201cm
Located in New York, NY
Antique French Tapestry Verdure Signed Wool & Silk A magnificent antique French tapestry depicting a castle amongst a river, verdure, and exotic birds. Beautiful colorway, and a...
Wool
$3,576Sale Price|20% Off
W 66.93 in L 94.49 in
Grey Blue brown geometrical Wool Rug by Cecilia Setterdahl for Carpets CC
By Carpets CC
Located in Dubai, Dubai
Design Title: "Interior Blue" Hand-knotted from New Zealand wool in geometrical shapes. The carpet is embossed to create a modern feeling. Carpets CC is t...
Wool
Joan Miró – "Mangouste", Original Wool Tapestry Rug
By Joan Miró
Located in New York, NY
-63 x 82.68 in, 160 x 210 cm -MIRO’ embroidered on the reverse -Edition by Marie Cuttoli & Galerie Lucie Weill-Seligmann -Provenance: Private European Collection
Wool
Ottavio Missoni Limited Edition Geometric Rug for Missoni Home
By Missoni, Ottavio Missoni
Located in Conversano, IT
Stunning and rare "Orion T101" rug from the original Missoni Home Arazzi Patchwork collection, designed by Ottavio Missoni in 1991. Handcrafted in Italy from pure virgin wool, this limited-edition piece features complex, multicolored geometric motifs that embody Missoni's signature aesthetic. The design is completed by Missoni's iconic woven signature, marking it as an original collector's item. This particular colorway is extremely rare, distinguishing it from other known versions and vastly superior to recent Missoni rugs not made in Italy. This piece is in very good vintage condition with minimal wear on two corners, not affecting its beauty or integrity. One of the rarest color versions of this design, handmade in Italy. Dimensions Length: 234 cm (92.1 in) Width: 166 cm (65.4 in) Keywords: Missoni Home Rug 1991 - Ottavio Missoni Patchwork Carpet - Vintage Italian Designer Rug - Geometric Wool Rug Missoni...
Wool
Durrie wool carpet "31 Oct" Cecilia Setterdahl for Carpets CC
By Carpets CC
Located in Dubai, Dubai
Carpet Name: "Sisters" The ' Sisters' carpet takes inspiration from all the strong women that make their voices heard during 2018. The faces are made in strict graphic form, with...
Wool
Vintage Missoni Rug
By Missoni
Located in Ferrara, IT
This vintage Missoni designer rug is a striking and vibrant piece that combines bold colors, large-scale floral design, and impeccable craftsmanship. W...
Wool
Missoni Post-Modern Striped Rug, circa 1980, Italy, Signed
By Missoni, Missoni Home
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Attention interior designers, this is the large rug you need for that high-profile cover-worthy room you're working on. This signed Missoni rug is from the 1980s Italy and in an oh-s...
Wool
$6,120Sale Price|20% Off
W 46 in L 67 in
French Verdure Wool& Silk Tapestry 122×183 cm Landscape Hunt Tapestry 4×6 c.1900
Located in New York, NY
This 1920 French Verdure Wool & Silk French Tapestry 4x6 Landscape & Verdure Hunt showcases a finely woven French verdure tapestry depicting an elegant early 20th-century hun...
Wool, Silk
Stunning 1980s Italian Post-Modern Wool Rug by Missoni for T&J Vestor
By Ottavio Missoni
Located in Milano, IT
1980s Gorgeous rug by Missoni for T&J Vestor. Pure wool Made in Italy. Known worldwide for their pioneering approach to textiles, color, and pattern, Missoni translates its iconic h...
Wool
Pair of Italian postmodern rug by Ottavio MiSSONI Mod. Rosita
By Ottavio Missoni, Missoni
Located in Milano, IT
Pair of Italian Postmodern Missoni 1980s Rugs - Geometric Design and Vibrant Colors, model Rosita. Explore the iconic aesthetic of the 1980s with these postmodern Italian rugs by Mis...
Wool
Italian postmodern rug by MiSSONI, label present
By Ottavio Missoni, Missoni Home
Located in Milano, IT
Explore the iconic aesthetic of the 1980s with this postmodern Italian rug by Missoni, an authentic expression of the boldest and most creative interior design of the 20th century. M...
Wool
Ottavio Missoni's Geometrical Wool Carpet, Italy 1980s
By Ottavio Missoni
Located in Naples, IT
Vintage Missoni rug made of pure virgin wool with geometric patterns forming squares in bright and warm colors. It is an object of high quality and refinement, ideal for giving elega...
Wool
1980s Gorgeous Geometric Italian Woolen Rug by Missoni for T&J Vestor
By Ottavio Missoni
Located in Puglia, Puglia
This vintage Ottavio Missoni carpet was made in the 1980s in pure virgin wool by the T&J Vestor company, founded in 1921 by Rosita Missoni, and now acquired by Missoni Home. this bea...
Wool
1980s Italian Woven Pure Wool Vintage Rug Ottavio Missoni for T&J Vestor
By Ottavio Missoni
Located in Firenze, FI
This Ottavio Missoni vintage rug was made in the 80s in pure virgin wool by the company T&J Vestor, founded in 1921 by Rosita Missoni, and now acquired by Missoni Home. thi beautiful optical rug...
Wool
1980s Italian Woven Pure Wool "Luxor" Rug Ottavio Missoni for T&J Vestor
By Ottavio Missoni
Located in Firenze, FI
Ottavio Missoni "Luxor" vintage rug made in the 80s in pure virgin wool by the company T&J Vestor, founded in 1921 by Rosita Missoni, and now acquired by Missoni Home. The "Luxor" mo...
Wool
Italian Machine Made Wool Carpet by Ottavio Missoni for T&J Vestor, 1980s
By Ottavio Missoni
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian machine made wool carpet by Ottavio Missoni for T&J Vestor, 1980s Spotted and with small damaged areas. Measures: 235 x 170 cm.
Fabric