About Missoni

With a history that spans over 50 years, the house of Missoni is that rare phenomenon in fashion, an enduring force to be reckoned with. Established in 1953 by Rosita and Ottavio Missoni, what began as a small knitwear factory following the traditional Italian handicraft techniques has evolved into a world – famous luxury label whose technical innovation and free-thinking approach have redefined notions of knitwear. A fateful meeting with Emmanuelle Khanh in Paris resulted in an important early collaboration and the first Missoni catwalk show took place in Florence, in 1967.

By 1970, the Missoni, fusion of organic fabrics, a mastery of colour and instantly recognisable motifs – stripes, zig-zags, Greek keys and space-dyed weaves – saw the house become the last word in laid-back luxury. The layered mismatching of pattern and colour, mainly in the form of slinky knits, has become synonymous with Missoni inspiring the American press to describe the look as “put-together”.

Since taking over design duties in 1997, Angela Missoni has imaginatively updated the brand, introducing florals and even denim without losing the essence of classic Missoni. After working alongside her mother Rosita for 30 years, in 1993 Angela produced her own collection, becoming Missoni’s overall creative director when her parents retired a few years later. Angela has subtly transformed the beguiling feminine looks of the Missoni archive with tailored lines and sassy slim-line silhouettes. Missoni has stood the test of time by attracting a new generation of devotees whilst maintaining the kudos of cool it established during its ’70s heyday. Constantly referenced by the mass market, the Missoni style sits as happily on the red carpet as it does in the wardrobe of modern day bohemians.