1970s Missoni Silk Plunging Draped Wrap Dress
View Similar Items
1970s Missoni Silk Plunging Draped Wrap 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.
- Vintage Early 1940's Crimson Red Satin Evening Dress UK 10-12 US 6-8Located in Cheltenham, GBThis breathtaking early 1940's crimson satin dress, rendered in a full circle cut and tailored to perfection, is the perfect piece for that special occasion. The V shaped neckline...Category
1940s Evening Dresses
- Vintage 1960's Satin Matelasse Dress, Capelet & Shoe Set UK 12 US 8Located in Cheltenham, GBA classic silhouette rendered in a tickle me pink matelasse satin, with matching ostrich feather accents, this original 1960's dress and capelet set, completed with matching silk sho...Category
1960s Cocktail Dresses
- Hanae Mori, Tokyo 1970 Silk Chiffon DressBy Hanae MoriLocated in Sharon, CTA beautiful 100% silk evening dress, with attached silk 'coat' by the important Japanese Fashion Designer. Abstracted floral/sea pattern in white black pinks and blue. Sash (56" lo...Category
1970s Japanese Evening Dresses
- Christian Dior John Galliano S/S 2003 Red Plunge Draped Pocket Mini DressBy John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian DiorLocated in Chicago, ILDesigned by John Galliano for the Christian Dior spring/summer 2003 collection. Oversized design with carefully crafted sex appeal. Gathered/plunge front and plunge draped back. Over...Category
Early 2000s French Mini Dress
- Herve Leger Candice Lip Stick Red Off The Shoulder Long Sleeve Bodycon Dress XSBy Herve Leger by Max Azria, Herve LégerLocated in Chicago, ILHerve Leger "Candice" Lip Stick Red Off The Shoulder Long Sleeve Bodycon Dress XS. Tags attached (MSRP: $1,150). Tight, sturdy and durable construction, built to showcase your curves...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Evening Dresses
- Roberto Cavalli bias cut gown, SS 2004By Roberto CavalliLocated in London, GBRoberto Cavalli bias cut gown from the SS 2004 collection. Features a feather charm. Size: Medium Condition: Very Good Material: SilkCategory
Early 2000s European Evening Dresses
$3,583 Sale Price20% Off