1990s Silk Chiffon Printed Missoni Kaftan
View Similar Items
1990s Silk Chiffon Printed Missoni Kaftan
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.
- 1980S GIANFRANCO FERRE Cinnamon Brown Cotton Poplin Safari Style Shirt Dress WiBy Gianfranco FerréLocated in New York, NY1980S GIANFRANCO FERRE Cinnamon Brown Cotton Poplin Safari Style Shirt Dress With PocketsCategory
1980s Italian Day Dresses
- Comme des Garcons navy blue cotton gathered tunic-style dress, ss 1984By Comme des GarçonsLocated in London, GB▪ Comme des Garcons cotton tunic-like dress ▪ Navy blue ground with white brush stroke-like print ▪ Slit armholes ▪ Irregular stitches at the front creating a gathered effect ▪ One ...Category
1980s Japanese Day Dresses
- Vivienne Westwood black and white striped cotton gathered dress, ss 1996By Vivienne WestwoodLocated in London, GB▪ Vivienne Westwood lightweight cotton sundress ▪ White brush stroke striped print with black base ▪ 17th-century inspired virago sleeves with side slits ▪ Multiple drawstring fas...Category
1990s British Day Dresses
- Issey Miyake faux fur vest and skirt ensemble, A/W 2000By Issey MiyakeLocated in London, GB- Vest with emphasised breast panels and wrap design - Blanket wrap skirt with button closures - Faux fur / leatherette suede Autumn-Winter 2000Category
1990s Japanese Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Worlds End by Vivienne Westwood checked wool 'Witches' dress, fw 1983By Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren, Worlds EndLocated in London, GBIntroducing the Worlds End by Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren 'Witches' dress, a groundbreaking and visionary creation from the Autumn-Winter 1983 collection. This exceptional ensemble features pointed sleeves, a striking design element that sets it apart from traditional fashion. The use of checked wool in navy, red, and cream showcases the brand's signature use of unconventional fabrics and bold colour combinations. The front pleats, uniquely held in place by wooden toggles, add a touch of avant-garde flair, reflecting the collection's deconstructed and transformative approach to design. A large draped...Category
1980s British Day Dresses
- Azzedine Alaia cotton coat dress with César Baldaccini print, ss 1985By Azzedine AlaïaLocated in London, GB▪ Azzedine Alaia multicoloured cotton coat dress ▪ Wide short sleeves ▪ Button-up front ▪ Voluminous pleated ankle length skirt ▪ 2 side pockets ▪ 2 front flap pockets ▪ 2 ties a...Category
1980s French Day Dresses