1970s Missoni Knit Bodysuit
View Similar Items
1970s Missoni Knit Bodysuit
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.
- Issey Miyake Plaid Pleated Skirt & Blouse EnsembleBy Issey MiyakeLocated in Oakland, CATimeless Issey Miyake plaid skirt and blouse set. All over vertical pleating. Deep blue, teal, purples and a bit of turquoise. Blouse is sleeveless with V notch collar. Long stra...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Skirt Suits
- Chanel Fall 1999 Beige Wool Boucle Skirt SuitBy ChanelLocated in Oakland, CAWool boucle Chanel skirt suit from Autumn 1999. The jacket has logo hook closures at the front and at the sleeve cuffs. CC printed silk lining with inner chain detail. The skirt has ...Category
1990s French Skirt Suits
- Junya Watanabe for Comme des Garcons 2003 Frayed Hem Coat & DressBy Junya Watanabe, Comme des GarçonsLocated in Oakland, CACirca 2003 Junya Watanabe for Comme des Garcons black wool coat and dress. Fuzzy wool texture with frayed-edge details throughout. Long coat wis ...Category
Early 2000s Japanese Dress and Coat Ensembles
- Pauline Trigere 1960s 2-Piece Tweed Coat and Dress SetBy Pauline TrigèreLocated in Oakland, CAThis is a two-piece weed coat and dress set from Pauline Trigere, this appears to be 1960s era. Coat features asymmetric front, two button closure,...Category
1960s Dress and Coat Ensembles
- Issey Miyake 2 Piece Pleated EnsembleBy Issey MiyakeLocated in Oakland, CAElegant Issey Miyake black top and skirt set. Airy top with pleating and alternating panels of sheer fabric. V neck, sleeveless, very loose shape. Long skirt is pleated with same...Category
1980s Japanese Skirt Suits
- Issey Miyake Pleated Two Layer White with Black Contrast Pant SuitBy Issey MiyakeLocated in Oakland, CAIssey Miyake pleated jacket with pants. Two layer fabric: semi-sheer off-white over black. Top features hidden 5 button closures, chest ...Category
Early 2000s Japanese Trouser Pant Suits
- Lanvin, Paris Magenta Moire SuitBy Lanvin ParisLocated in Sharon, CTVintage Lanvin 1980's Magenta Moire Suit (Jacket and Skirt) in the style of YSL. A size 42, Cotton/Rayon and labeled: Lanvin Paris, Made in France. Length ...Category
1980s French Suits, Outfits and Ensembles
- Jean Paul Gaultier Classique Blue Navy Orange Blazer Formal Blazer Skirt SuitBy Jean Paul GaultierLocated in PARIS, FRJean Paul Gaultier Classique Blue Navy Orange Blazer Formal Elegant Vintage 90's 1990 Rare Iconic Jacket Skirt Suit Ensemble Set Excellent condition, ra...Category
1990s French Skirt Suits
- Thierry Mugler Couture Bordeaux Sculpture Red Elegant Vintage Jacket Skirt SuitBy Thierry Mugler CoutureLocated in PARIS, FRThierry Mugler Couture Bordeaux Sculpture Red Formal Elegant Vintage Jacket Skirt Suit Rare Vintage Thierry Mugler Couture Bordeaux Sculpture Red Formal Elegant Vintage Maroon 1990 ...Category
1990s French Skirt Suits
- 1990s Emanuel Ungaro Polka Dot Skirt SetBy Emanuel UngaroLocated in Miami, FL1990s Ungaro flirty little two piece polka dot set in an electric blue with yellow dots. A full pleated skirt is matched with a wrap top, ruched at the...Category
1990s Italian Skirt Suits
- Christian Lacroix Skirt SuitBy Christian LacroixLocated in Waterford, MIPurple skirt suit. Single Breasted. Shoulder pads. Front pockets. Zipper closure on skirt. Viscose and Silk. Lined. Made in France. *Condition: exce...Category
1980s Skirt Suits
- Yves Saint Laurent Purple Plaid Pant SuitBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Waterford, MIPurple plaid suit. Front button closures. Front pockets. Shoulder pads. Pleated trousers. Front zipper on trousers. Lined. Wool. Made in France. *Conditi...Category
1970s Trouser Pant Suits