Missoni multicoloured skirt, circa 1975
View Similar Items
Missoni multicoloured skirt, circa 1975
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.
- Michael Kors Collection Size 12 Pink + Brown + Tan 2000s Cotton Striped SkirtBy Michael KorsLocated in San Diego, CAChic early 2000s MICHAEL KORS COLLECTION Size 12 striped cotton skirt ! Features pretty colors of pink, brown, tan and white throughout. Hidden zipper up the side with hook-and-eye c...Category
Early 2000s Italian Pencil Skirts
- Vintage Diane Freis Nautical Crest ' Anchor ' Maxi Skirt or DressBy Diane FreisLocated in San Diego, CAAmazing vintage Diane Freis / Diane Fres maxi nautical skirt, OR strapless dress! Nautical theme, with anchor prints throughout. Elastic waistband, whi...Category
1980s A-Line Skirts
$295 Sale Price25% Off - Giani Versace for Laurel Printed SkirtBy Gianni VersaceLocated in San Francisco, CAGiani Versace for Laurel Printed Skirt. A unique and interesting piece designed by Versace for Laurel. It demonstrates the trade mark Versace print in ...Category
1960s French Skirts
- Vintage Summer Tiered SkirtLocated in London, GBA fun vintage cotton skirt in a great print mix, and in tiers so it wooshes wonderfully as you walk by. In a great colour combination and if yo...Category
1970s Unknown Skirts
- Ziba Moda Italy Multi Colour Silk SkirtLocated in London, GBA fun silk skirt for Summer by Ziba Moda. In dfferenct colour tiers with a net frill in the final tier, the skirt has an elasticated waist and will fit waist 26 '' - 34''. length 41''Category
1980s Unknown Skirts
- 1980s Philosophy by Alberta Ferretti light brown / nude skirt NWOTBy Alberta FerrettiLocated in Capri, IT1980s Philosophy by Alberta Ferretti light brown / nude skirt NWOT Made in italy Size: italian 44 Composition: 100 % cottonCategory
1980s Italian Skirts