Missoni Floral Print Metallic Lurex Caftan Dress, circa 1972-73

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Missoni Floral Print Metallic Lurex Caftan Dress, circa 1972-73

About the Item

This is one of the holy grails when looking for and finding vintage Missoni. It is a metallic lurex floral caftan dress. Similar, but less dramatic pieces with this floral print appeared in the 1972-73 season in Vogue and telegraph magazine and I have included those reference photos here. The caftan is made from a pinky rust colored metallic lurex that has bands of flowers circling the fabric every 6 inches or so from top to bottom. The fabric is feather light so wearing this feels like wearing air and it is coll and comfortable even in warm climates. I myself own its twin and have worn it several times on vacation and closer to home. It is wonderful and easy to wear and very flattering. It is seamed down each side so unlike a traditional caftan it gives you shape and defines your curves. A long fabric belt of the same fabric cinches in the waist and gives it a modern twist. That belt also cleverly camouflages any tummy you have so you feel lean and sleek in it. I love the sides - they are left open from the outer edge to the inner seaming so you get that feel of a true caftan and all the decadence and flow that a caftan would have. You see these very, very rarely and this one is exceptional with its stunning colorway. Excellent condition. The dress is unlined and slips over the head to wear. There is stretch to the fabric so it will allow a variety of sizes to wear it. The smaller you are the more it fits like a loose caftan. The dress has seaming down the sides so the measurements are from side to side of the inner seaming. The belt is original and in excellent condition.I see one tiny repair to the back of the one of the caftan sides that has no impact once on. Mentioned for accuracy only. The fabric does have some stretch. The cutt will allow it to fit a full range of sizes. Shoulders: no defined seams Bust: will stretch to about 19" flat from side seam to side seam Waist: 14-15" flat across from side seam to side seam, has belt to cinch Hips: will stretch 19-21" comfortably flat from side seam to side seam Length: 59" from neck to bottom hem Full width across: 48" Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-LRG Shown: Cherie by Erin Leydon. Send us a note to see these reference photos: Model (on right) in Missoni, photo by Duffy for Telegraph Magazine, September 1973. / Moyra Swan wearing a Missoni skirt. Photographed by Barry Lategan from Vogue 1972. This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

Designer:
Missoni
Brand:
Missoni
Dimensions:
Width: 48 in (121.92 cm)Length: 59 in (149.86 cm)Waist: 15 in (38.1 cm)Hip: 21 in (53.34 cm)
Period:
1970-1979
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. I see one tiny repair to the back of the one of the caftan sides that has no impact once on. Mentioned for accuracy only.
Seller Location:
Rockwood, CA
Reference Number:
Seller: Item# DD29691stDibs: LU1284282331

Shop All Missoni

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.

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