Missoni

The vibrant Missoni brand traces its origins back to the 1948 Olympic Games in London, where former hurdler Ottavio 'Tai' Missoni met his future wife, Rosita. The couple founded the Missoni brand in 1953, starting with just two knitting machines from Rosita's textile industry background. Their knitwear stood out for its artistic designs, breaking away from the traditional sportswear image. Quickly gaining recognition, Missoni became a key player in the post-war Italian fashion scene, with influential figures like Anna Piaggi and Diana Vreeland promoting its colorful zig-zag stripes. Despite a setback at a fashion show in Florence, Missoni continued to grow, expanding into various categories like men's wear, perfumes, accessories, and even hotels. The Missoni legacy lives on through the creative vision of the Missoni family, as Tai and Rosita's children - Vittorio, Luca, and Angela - now steer the brand forward. Despite the tragic losses of Vittorio and Tai, Missoni remains a thriving, family-owned brand, with a new generation carrying on the iconic zigzag legacy with passion and innovation.