1990s Missoni Bronze Sequin & Knit Gown with Shawl
View Similar Items
1990s Missoni Bronze Sequin & Knit Gown with Shawl
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.
- 1970s Adolfo Gold Lace Beaded Evening TunicBy AdolfoLocated in Toronto, OntarioExquisite Adolfo gold lace beaded evening tunic from the 1970s. Beautifully detailed with gold sequin applique throughout and faux pearl, emerald marquis bead and gold thread trim along the collar, front placket, cuffs and hem. Fastens with a hidden zipper down the front. Perfect worn with a simple black slip or over a black tank top and black cigarette pants...Category
1970s American Evening Dresses and Gowns
- 1960s Anonymous Black Long Sleeve Gown with Polka Dot Net Overlay and Gold SashLocated in Toronto, OntarioGorgeous black long sleeve gown from the 1960s. The label is from Stanley Korshak, a famous upscale ladies boutique in Dallas whose heigh day was from ...Category
1960s American Evening Gowns
- 1980's Alfred Bosand Royal Blue and Gold Dynasty Inspired Column GownBy Alfred BosandLocated in Toronto, OntarioDynasty era late 70's early 80's 's Alfred Bosand empress Josephine style gown. Plisé pleated origami style short sleeves with matching detail above the hemline. Square low cut neckl...Category
1970s American Evening Gowns
- 1980s Black Velvet Vicky Tiel Cocktail Dress with Royal Blue BodiceBy Vicky TielLocated in Toronto, OntarioWELCOME BACK 1980's! Black velvet Vicky Tiel cocktail dress with a sexy sweetheart style neckline, a favourite look for Vicky Tiel, and a ruched royal blue velvet front bodice with s...Category
1980s American Cocktail Dresses
- Raffaella Curiel 1980's Black Strapless Cocktail Dress with RosesBy Raffaella CurielLocated in Toronto, OntarioFun 1980s Raffaella Curiel strapless, drop waist cocktail dress. Black ruched bodice with scalloped rose printed layered skirt and bust detail. Small bl...Category
1980s Italian Cocktail Dresses
- 1960's Mollie Parnis Black Velvet Dress w BowBy Mollie ParnisLocated in Toronto, OntarioEarly 1960's Mollie Parnis black velvet empire waist dress inspired by the Dior look dresses from the 60's. Scoop neckline, 3/4 sleeve, black satin wide ribbon sash with raw edged fr...Category
1960s American Cocktail Dresses
- Jean Muir Emerald Green Viscose Jersey Cocktail DressBy Jean MuirLocated in New York, NYJean Muir emerald green jersey cocktail dress with long wrap sash. Sash may also be worn as long scarf around neck, and tied at lower back. Front of dress has asymmetrical pleating. ...Category
Late 20th Century British Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Badgley Mischka Beaded Black Silk Lace Evening Gown Size US 10By Badgley MischkaLocated in New York, NYBadgley Mischka glamorous black silk lace evening gown, size US 10. Gown features hand beaded and embroidered lace with glass jet beading, and neckline with glass jet beads along cu...Category
Late 20th Century American Evening Gowns
- Roberto Cavalli Tiger Print Jersey Cocktail / Dinner Dress Size 46 EUBy Roberto CavalliLocated in New York, NYRoberto Cavalli tiger print ivory jersey cocktail dress with 3/4 length sleeves. This fun dress is form fitted, gathered at the bust with beautiful...Category
Early 2000s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Giambattista Valli Ivory Crepe Sleeveless Wedding Gown Dress EU 40By Giambattista ValliLocated in New York, NYElegant Giambattista Valli ivory crepe sleeveless wedding gown has a delicate fitted bust, darts to accentuate the length of waist, which is finished with a stitched ribbon at the wa...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
$2,000 Sale Price20% Off - Mariano Fortuny Black Silk Peplos GownBy FortunyLocated in Riverdale, NYThis dress is made of finely pleated black colored silk with silk cording along side seams,shoulders and tunic hem with matte frosted colored glass beads threaded through the cordin...Category
Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Peplos
Price Upon Request - Mariano Fortuny Amethyst Delphos GownBy FortunyLocated in Riverdale, NYThis dress is made of finely pleated amythest colored silk with silk cording along side seams, and multicolored glass beads threaded through the cording. Named after a Greek cla...Category
Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Delphos Gowns
Price Upon Request