Missoni jewellery, late 20th century

The Italian fashion house Missoni was founded in 1953 by Ottavio Missoni and his wife Rosita Gelmini. The company is known for its colourful and geometric knitwear, as well as its womenswear, menswear, childrenswear, home goods, and fragrances.

Ottavio Missoni was a track and field athlete who competed in the 1948 Summer Olympics. After retiring from sports, he opened a small knitwear workshop in Gallarate, Italy. Rosita Gelmini joined the business in 1953, and they began designing and producing their own knitwear.

The Missonis' first collection was presented in Milan in 1958. It was an instant success, and the company quickly became known for its vibrant colours and bold patterns. Missoni's knitwear was also notable for its innovative use of techniques such as jacquard knitting and patchwork.

In the 1960s, Missoni began to show its collections in Paris and New York, and its clothes were worn by celebrities such more... as Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy Onassis. Missoni also expanded into other areas of fashion, such as ready-to-wear clothing, accessories, and home goods. In the following decade Missoni's designs became even more daring and experimental. The company began to use unconventional materials such as plastic and metal in its garments. Missoni also collaborated with other artists and designers, such as the fashion photographer Helmut Newton and the architect Ettore Sottsass.

Missoni began to focus on international expansion in the 1980s. The company opened its first stores in the United States and Japan, and it began to produce licensed products such as perfumes and eyewear. Missoni also launched a diffusion line called M Missoni, which was aimed at a younger market. The company launched a men's wear line in the 1990s, and it began to experiment with new technologies such as digital printing. Missoni also opened its first museum in Sumirago, Italy.

Missoni is one of the most iconic fashion brands in the world. The company is still family-owned and operated, and it is led by Angela Missoni, the daughter of Ottavio and Rosita and continues to produce innovative and stylish designs that are loved by people all over the world. less...