Designer Rosita Missoni, pioneer of colored knitwear, dies aged 93

Key Points

  • Rosita Missoni, co-founder of the Missoni fashion house, passed away at 93.
  • Missoni became famous for its colorful knitwear and geometric patterns, especially the zigzag motif.
  • The brand gained fame partly due to the 'battle of the bras' incident at Pitti Palace in 1967.
  • Rosita and Ottavio Missoni met in London in 1948, and their brand later became synonymous with modern art in fashion.
  • The company faced tragedy with the death of their son Vittorio in 2013, and Rosita stepped down as creative director in the late 1990s.

Summary

Rosita Missoni, the co-founder of the renowned Italian fashion house Missoni, passed away at the age of 93. Known for its vibrant and patterned knitwear, Missoni was established in 1953 by Rosita and her husband Ottavio. Their brand became iconic for its geometric designs, particularly the zigzag pattern known as fiammato. Rosita, born into a family of textile artisans, met Ottavio in London in 1948 while he was competing in the Olympics. Their brand gained international acclaim for its innovative use of textiles and patterns, often likened to modern art. A notable incident, the 'battle of the bras' at the Pitti Palace in 1967, inadvertently boosted their fame when models' bras were visible through their outfits, leading to a media frenzy. Despite personal tragedies, including the loss of their son Vittorio in a plane crash in 2013, Missoni continued to thrive, expanding into home collections and hotels. In 2018, an Italian investment fund took a significant stake in the company, and by 2023, Missoni was exploring potential sales with Rothschild as their financial advisor.

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January 3, 2025
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