Missoni Silk Ensemble
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: 8 (US)
- 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.
- 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
- Nina Ricci black ensembleBy Nina RicciLocated in Kingston, NYNina Ricci black blazer and skirt with red piping, 1970's jacket total length- 24in. waist- 32 in. skirt total length- 24 in. hips- 30in.Category
1970s French Skirt Suits
- 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
- Missoni, Museum Documented, Wool, Aqua Blue Plaid, Ensemble, 1972By MissoniLocated in Kingston, NYMISSONI, Museum three (3) piece ensemble, 1957 with Museum tags Plaid blue and red, knit skirt, vest and matching jacket with coordinating belt red buckle belt with Museum tags on i...Category
1970s Italian Suits, Outfits and Ensembles
- 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
- 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
- S/S 1996 Thierry Mugler Sculptural Runway Museum Skirt Suit EnsembleBy Thierry MuglerLocated in Concord, NCOwn a piece of fashion history with this extraordinary documented Thierry Mugler Spring Summer 1996 skirt suit. Black and white jacket with a large folding ...Category
1990s French Skirt Suits
- Nina Ricci 'Boutique' Paris Black Silk SuitBy Nina RicciLocated in Sharon, CTOffering a Nina Ricci 'Boutique' Paris, Black silk suit retailed by Bergdorf Goodman. Puffy shoulders, skirted waist jacket, black on black polka dots,...Category
1980s French Dress and Coat Ensembles
- Issey Miyake Black Jacket & Bolero Pants early 80'sBy Issey MiyakeLocated in Sharon, CTFringed cocoon jacket, with fringed Bolero pants Japan size 10. 26" waist, 33" lengthCategory
1980s Japanese Trouser Pant Suits
- Celine Paris Black Dress and JacketBy CelineLocated in Sharon, CTEnsemble black spaghetti straps short black dress and a long black jacket. Both in the same stretchy horizontal geometric woven design fabric. Dress...Category
1990s French Dress and Coat Ensembles
- Nina Ricci Boutique Suit, Paris FranceBy Nina RicciLocated in Sharon, CTNina Ricci purple wool tweed double breasted skirt suit, fabric imported from Ireland. Ruffled edging on collar and sleeve cuffs. Nina Ricci Boutique...Category
1980s French Skirt Suits
- Henri Bendel Vintage Riding Habit Black velvetBy Henri BendelLocated in Sharon, CTEarly Henri Bendel Velvet Riding Habit. Jacket length 30". waist 34". Skirt length 35", waist 28".Category
Early 1900s American Skirt Suits