Missoni, Museum Documented, Wool, Aqua Blue Plaid, Ensemble, 1972
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Style:1972 (Of the Period)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Kingston, NY
- Reference Number:
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: Kingston, NY
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Dolce & Gabbana, Two Piece 100% Silk Turquoise Skirt Suit EnsembleBy Dolce & GabbanaLocated in Kingston, NYDolce & Gabbana, two-piece, blue 100% silk, leopard print lined, blazer and pencil skirt with belt. Notched lapels, double-breasted and Made in Italy. Size 40 / US 4 PROVENANCE: Pr...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Skirt Suits
- EMILIO PUCCI for Formfit Rogers Silk Ensemble circa 1959-1960By Emilio PucciLocated in Kingston, NYEMILIO PUCCI for Formfit Rogers, Two-Piece Silk Ensemble, Long Green and Purple Diamond Print Sleeveless Dress with Square Neck and Long Matching Shell wi...Category
Mid-20th Century American Loungewear
- Christian Lacroix Paris Pink Heart Graffiti Ensemble, circa 1990sBy Christian Lacroix ParisLocated in Kingston, NYC. 1990s size 42 Skirt and blazer, statement button on the Blazer Art Barbie vibesCategory
1990s French Skirt Suits
- Missoni Silk EnsembleBy MissoniLocated in Kingston, NYMissoni silk sleeveless top and skirt. Includes a pastel foliate pattern sleeveless top with a V-neckline and black piping accents to the bodice and along...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Suits, Outfits and Ensembles
- Versace S/S 1996 Neon Yellow Spray Paint EnsembleBy Gianni VersaceLocated in Kingston, NYNeon hued skirt suit by Gianni Versace Couture which featured in the Spring 1996 ready-to-wear collection. Both the jacket and the dress are made using a beautifully soft silk, in a ...Category
1990s Italian Skirt Suits
- Missoni, Museum Documented Ensemble, Camisole, Skirt and Cardigan, 1973By MissoniLocated in Kingston, NYMissoni, circa 1973 (verified), three (3) piece knit ensemble. Ribbed cream v-neck camisole and long skirt with long sleeve multi-color rayon and cotton knit cardigan with patch pockets. Label "Missoni Made in Italy" *Additional museum inventory tags with origin and date of ensemble.* Sz 40 Sweater open B 34...Category
1970s Italian Suits, Outfits and Ensembles
- 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
- 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
- Dolce & Gabbana Corset Skirt SuitBy Dolce & GabbanaLocated in Waterford, MIGrey skirt suit. Corset piping detail. Front buttons. Large collar. Stretchy. Made in Italy. *Condition: Excellent vintage condition. Visible Flaw ( ...Category
1990s Skirt Suits
- Chloe Blouse and Skirt SetLocated in Waterford, MIDusty grey colored blouse and skirt set. Short sleeve blouse. V-neck. Pockets in skirt. Lined skirt. Wool. Made in France. *Condition: Great vintage condition, small imperfections (...Category
1970s Suits, Outfits and Ensembles