Rosita Missoni, co-founder of Italian label, dies aged 93

Rosita Missoni, the co-founder of the renowned Italian knitwear label Missoni, passed away at the age of 93. The announcement of her death was made by Attilio Fontana, the president of Italy’s Lombardy region, who paid tribute to her legacy and the brand’s distinctive “multicoloured textures.” Fontana described her death as a profound loss not only for Italy and the Lombardy region but also for Varese, her birthplace, where she lived much of her life.

Rosita, born in 1931 in Golasecca, Lombardy, was the daughter of skilled shawlmakers. In 1953, she and her husband, Ottavio (known as Tai), founded the Missoni brand, which would become synonymous with high-end knitwear and striking, vibrant designs. Together, they established a workshop in Gallarate, a town to the northwest of Milan, where they began their journey toward creating a world-renowned label.

The couple’s story began before their marriage in 1953, when Rosita, a young woman from northern Italy, was studying English in London. During this time, she met Tai, who was competing in the 400-meter hurdles at the 1948 Olympic Games. At the time, Tai was designing his own line of knit sportswear, including innovative zippered tracksuit bottoms that could be worn over sneakers. This ingenuity marked the start of their partnership, both personally and professionally.

Rosita once humorously recalled how her life changed when she married Tai, saying, “When I got married, four sewing machines arrived with my husband.” This remark speaks to the entrepreneurial spirit that defined the couple’s early years together, building their brand from scratch. The Missonis’ breakthrough came in 1958 when a Milanese department store ordered hundreds of Missoni-branded striped dresses, bringing the brand its first major commercial success.

Their vision for distinctive knitwear, particularly the brand’s signature zig-zag pattern, captivated fashion enthusiasts around the world. Missoni’s first major runway presentation took place in 1966, but it was their show at the Pitti Palace in Florence the following year that really catapulted the label into the global fashion spotlight. A controversial moment during this presentation further fueled Missoni’s rising fame when models were asked to remove their white bras to avoid them being visible through the brand’s sheer designs. This bold move challenged the conventions of fashion at the time and helped establish Missoni as an innovative force in the industry.

Tai Missoni passed away in 2013 at the age of 92, but Rosita continued to play an integral role in the brand’s legacy. In the late 1990s, their daughter Angela Missoni took over leadership of the fashion house, ensuring that the brand’s iconic status in the fashion world would continue. However, Rosita remained active in the family business, focusing primarily on the label’s home line, Missoni Home, which became another avenue through which the brand’s aesthetic flourished.

Throughout her career, Rosita was recognized not only for her work in fashion but also for her contributions to Italy’s cultural heritage. Under her guidance, Missoni became more than just a brand; it evolved into a symbol of Italian craftsmanship, artistry, and a reflection of the country’s commitment to elegance and style.

Her death marks the end of an era for the Missoni brand, which, under the Missonis’ leadership, created a legacy that has influenced generations of designers and continues to be a beacon of creativity and sophistication in the fashion industry. The fashion world mourns the loss of Rosita Missoni, a woman who, alongside her husband, built a label that will be remembered for its bold colors, distinct patterns, and timeless appeal.

While Rosita Missoni may no longer be with us, her enduring impact on the world of fashion, and her role in shaping one of Italy’s most beloved luxury brands, will remain for generations to come.

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