1980s Missoni Floral Silk Jersey Dress Suit
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: 6-10 (US)Bust: 42 in (106.68 cm)Waist: 28 in (71.12 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU55018582782
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: London, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 7 days of delivery.
- 1970s Jennifer Lucas Patchwork Silk Jacket and Skirt SuitLocated in London, GBThis super colourful Jennifer Lucas skirt suit reminded me so much of the pivotal early Dolce & Gabbana catwalk shows from the spring/summer 1993 collection. We added runway shots t...Category
1970s British Skirt Suits
- 1960s Leane Terreau French Couture Satin Skirt SuitLocated in London, GBFrench couture 1960s satin full length skirt suit by Leanne Terreau, complete with flower button detail. The jacket has a high neck collar and a double breasted front, finished with ...Category
1960s French Skirt Suits
- 1970s Bill Gibb Piano Key Pattern Five Piece EnsembleBy Bill GibbLocated in London, GBThis is a rare and complete 5-piece ensemble by the legendary Bill Gibb in collaboration with renowned knitwear designer Kaffe Fassett who worked extensively with Gibb and Missoni during the 70s and 80s. The knitted elements of the ensemble are made up of a complex 'piano key...Category
1970s Cardigans
- 1970s Mary Farrin Mauve Woollen Skirt and Cardigan SetBy Mary FarrinLocated in London, GBA very interesting knitted suit from renowned British designer Mary Farrin in a wonderful combination of mauve and lilac purples and copper and beige tones...Category
1970s British A-Line Skirts
- 1980s Jean Muir Floral Cotton Peplum Skirt SuitBy Jean MuirLocated in London, GBVintage Jean Muir skirt suit from the mid to late 1980s. Both the skirt and the jacket are made using a brightly printed and lightweight viscose material, featuring bold blue, red an...Category
1980s British Skirt Suits
- 1960s Black and Red Polka Dot Demi Couture Dress and JacketLocated in London, GBThis 1960s red and black polka dot American demi-couture ensemble is in beautiful vintage condition and of excellent quality; however, is unlabelled and so the designer remains unkno...Category
1960s American Dress and Coat Ensembles
- Gianfrance Ferre Studio Vintage Dress with Trousers for Evening Day or BeachBy Gianfranco FerréLocated in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NLIs this an exceptional cocktaildress, an evening dress or a beachdress? You can wear it any time! Both dress and trousers fully lined. Worn by a long model with size 38 because of her length. Trousers size EU 38 (more like a 36) Dress size EU 36 Gianfranco Ferre...Category
1990s Italian Twin Sets
- Gianni Versace S/S 1991 Pop Art Baroque Print Swimsuit Bodysuit & Skirt SetBy Gianni VersaceLocated in Chicago, ILFrom Gianni Versace’s Spring/Summer 1991 “Pop Art” Collection, this rare set features the striking color palette and patterns the collection was famous for. Naomi Campbell graced the...Category
1990s Italian Skirt Suits
- Dior blue ostrich set, FW 2000By Christian DiorLocated in London, GBThe Ostrich leather effect along with the diamanté CD logo runs throughout the Galliano for Dior FW 2000 collection. Material: Lamskin and silk lining Siz...Category
Early 2000s European Trouser Pant Suits
- CHANEL cotton shirt & trousers setBy ChanelLocated in London, GBCHANEL Cotton Shirt & Trousers Set This CHANEL cotton shirt and trousers set is a classic and versatile piece that is perfect for any occasion. The shir...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Suits, Outfits and Ensembles
- Thierry Mugler Peplum Skirt SuitBy Thierry MuglerLocated in Waterford, MICreme peplum skirt suit. Collared. Shoulder pads. Front snap closures on blazer. Skirt is wrap style. *Condition: Great vintage condition. Chipped ...Category
1980s Skirt Suits
- Emilio Pucci Blouse and Skirt SetBy Emilio PucciLocated in Waterford, MIPurple and pink printed skirt and blouse set. Front tie at neckline. Rear zipper on skirt. Silk. Made in Italy. *Condition: Excellent vintage condition. No visible Flaws. Measureme...Category
1970s Skirt Suits