Vintage 1981 Missoni 100% Merino Wool Sweater Coat
View Similar Items
Vintage 1981 Missoni 100% Merino Wool Sweater Coat
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.
- Hermes République Francaise Liberté Égalité Fraternité 1789 Silk SweaterBy HermèsLocated in Chillerton, Isle of WightHermes République Francaise Liberté Égalité Fraternité 1789 Silk Twill Wool Knit Trim Shirt Sweater. Original silk screen design c1989 by Joachim...Category
1980s French Pullovers
- Jean Paul Gaultier mesh and wool printed cardiganBy Jean Paul GaultierLocated in Austin, TXJean Paul Gaultier printed mesh and wool cardigan. Sheer mesh with knit print. Size M Condition: Excellent. 34" buts, 30" waist, 21.5" LengthCategory
1990s French Cardigans
- Romeo Gigli cropped sweaterBy Romeo GigliLocated in Austin, TXRomeo Gigli cropped sweater buttons down front long sleeve 50% mohair, 50% other Condition: Excellent Sz M / LCategory
1990s Unknown Cardigans
$1,100 - Valentino Beige Black Angora Wool Vintage Sweater 90sBy ValentinoLocated in Brindisi, BtValentino vintage 90s soft wool sweater jacket. Beige and black striped cardigan, on the hips there are loops to be able to put on a belt. Angora and wool fabric. Made in Italy. Siz...Category
1990s Italian Cardigans
- Gucci Brown Silk Cashmere Sweater Cardigan 2000sBy GucciLocated in Brindisi, BtThis classic Gucci cardigan is made from a luxurious blend of cashmere, silk, and wool in a rich brown color. The cardigan features embroidery on the shoulders, adding a unique and s...Category
Early 2000s Italian Cardigans
- Krizia Black White Wool Sweater Long JacketBy Krizia MagliaLocated in Brindisi, BtKrizia 80s vintage women's sweater. Long jacket, button closure and side pockets. Black and white color, wool fabric. Made in Italy. Condition: Very good Item in excellent conditio...Category
1980s Italian Sweater Vests