1970s Missoni Silk Abstract Dress
View Similar Items
1970s Missoni Silk Abstract Dress
About the Item
Missoni
In 1953, Ottavio “Tai” (1921–2013) and Rosita (b. 1931) Missoni 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, which included furniture, textiles and accessories. Daughter Angela succeeded her mother at the helm of the brand, where she still serves as president and creative director today; her brother Luca is CEO, while her daughter Margherita is creative director of offshoot M Missoni.
Find vintage Missoni clothing and accessories today on 1stDibs.
- Emilio Pucci 1960's Cotton Quilted DressBy Emilio PucciLocated in Scottsdale, AZDon't miss out on the chance to snag a rare piece of 1960's Pucci that features a fully cotton diamond-quilted fabric. Details include a zipper on the f...Category
1960s Italian Mini Dresses
- Bazaar Christian LaCroix Lavander Knit DressBy Christian LacroixLocated in Scottsdale, AZRock a crochet look with our knit dress from Christian LaCroix's Bazaar line! Made of a soft, intricately woven lavender striped knit with open weaving along the bust line and straps...Category
1990s French Day Dresses
- Yves Saint Laurent Purple Cotton DressBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Scottsdale, AZSay hello to this adorable YSL dress! Circa 1980s for Saks Fifth Ave, this cotton dress features a square neckline, princess seam bodice and puff sleeves with large silver buttons down the side. Zipper closure on the back. Dress is marked a size 6, runs very small. Adorable and timeless, this dress would pair perfectly with a funky pair of vintage boots...Category
1980s French Day Dresses
- Dolce & Gabbana Magazine Print DressBy Dolce & GabbanaLocated in Scottsdale, AZThis dress is a must have in your closet! Circa early 2000s, this dress features a magazine print top with an open back and bra closure. Perfect to throw on with your favorite lace u...Category
Early 2000s Italian Day Dresses
- Cherry Red Lace Puff Sleeve Maxi Dress, 1980sLocated in Scottsdale, AZChannel your inner Kate Bush and rock a dramatic red dress! This adorable lace dress is SO-1980s in all the right ways! Bold, sculptural sleeves demand your attention- not to mention...Category
1980s Unknown Maxi Dresses
- 1960s Lanvin Cream & Red Polkadot Floral DressBy Lanvin ParisLocated in Scottsdale, AZThe most adorable little 1960s Lanvin button up dress! Solid cream color with an ombre of red mirco dots that get more dense towards the hem. Floral motifs scattered throughout. Elas...Category
1960s French Day Dresses
- Jean Paul Gaultier 1997 Fashion & Culture Japanese Tattoo Maxi DressBy Jean Paul GaultierLocated in PARIS, FRJean Paul Gaultier 1997 Fashion & Culture Japanese Tattoo Maxi Dress Jean Paul Gaultier JPG 1997 Fashion & Culture Jean's 90s Vintage Japanese Tattoo...Category
1990s French Maxi Dresses
- Gianfranco Ferre Tunic DressBy Gianfranco FerréLocated in Los Angeles, CAPurple Tunic dress. Double layer on back. Mandarin collar. Front buttons. Side pockets. Shoulder pads. Wool. Lined. Made in France. *Condition: Great vi...Category
1980s Day Dresses
- Vivienne Westwood indigo cotton jersey dress printed dress, ss 1991By Vivienne WestwoodLocated in London, GB▪ Vivienne Westwood dress ▪ Sold by One of a Kind Archive ▪ Constructed from indigo cotton jersey ▪ Neoclassical print inspired by Andre-Charles Boull...Category
1990s British Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Dolce & Gabbana Purple Silk Chiffon Gathered Dress MBy Dolce & GabbanaLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2A purple wonder from the house of Dolce & Gabbana, this dress is a buy you will love. The dress exhibits a standout design and serves well for special occasions. It is tailored into ...Category
2010s Italian Day Dresses
- Temperley Purple Satin Ruffled Cold Shoulder Belted Faux Wrap Midi Dress MLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Make room in your closet for this creation from Temperley. Designed to offer a fashionable look, it has a faux wrap design, ruffle trims, a belt detail, and a midi hemline. This cold...Category
2010s English Casual Dresses
- Vintage Leonard Paris Jewelry Motif Silk Jersey Mikado Belted Wrap DressBy LeonardLocated in Oakland, CAThis is a vintage Leonard Studio wrap dress in blue silk jersey mikado. Made in Italy. This appears to be 1980s era. The dress is tagged size 2. This ...Category
1980s Italian Tunics and Wrap Dresses