In 1953, Ottavio “Tai” Missoni (1921–2013) and Rosita Missoni (b. 1931) opened a small knitwear shop in Gallarate, Italy, paving the way for what would become an iconic style of colorful chevron knit.
Missoni began with a tracksuit, which featured zippers down the legs because, as Rosita recalls it, “Tai was too lazy to take off his shoes when putting them on.” The couple’s fashion really took off, though, once they discovered the Raschel knitting machine on a trip to a shawl factory. The machine enabled the Missonis to knit multiple colors in a zigzag pattern, a motif that would go on to become synonymous with the Missoni brand across everything from its alluring vintage day dresses and sweaters to its purses, seating and rugs.
Missoni held its first fashion show in Florence in 1967 and caused a bit of a sensation when the models’ Lurex dresses proved translucent under the lights at the Pitti Palace. Scandal aside, the show went down in history as a hit, and the Missonis soon made their debut in the United States with the help of legendary fashion editor Diana Vreeland, who gave the variegated Missoni stripe the Vogue seal of approval, saying, “Who says a rainbow has seven colors? It has many shades.” (It was also Vreeland who reportedly introduced the Missonis to Neiman Marcus president Stanley Marcus, effectively shepherding the brand to the American market.)
Missoni’s many-shaded rainbow would soon become an emblem of the 1970s fashion scene, earning the brand a permanent place in the fashion canon. In 1973, the New York Times proclaimed: “Missoni’s weaved garments have ended up universal materialistic trifles, as Vuitton sacks and Gucci shoes.”
The brand branched into the home market in 1983, with Rosita overseeing this new venture, Missoni Home, which included furniture, textiles and accessories. Daughter Angela succeeded her mother at the helm of the brand, where she served as creative director until 2021 and is currently president; her brother Luca is CEO, while her daughter Margherita was creative director of M Missoni, a modestly priced offshoot that was discontinued in 2021.
Find vintage Missoni clothing and accessories today on 1stDibs.
Huge Vintage Missoni 90s Colorful Knit Fringe Zig Zag Oversized Cape Piano Shawl
By Missoni
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous and rare late 1990s MISSONI colorful knit fringe cape wrap shawl ) ! This beauty measures an impressive 60 inches x 60 inches ( 5 feet x 5 feet ). Bright vibrant colors of p...
$92Sale Price|20% Off
Missoni Vintage Men's Cotton Jacket Size 48 Made in Italy Circa 1990s
By Missoni
Located in Capri, IT
Example by Missoni Cotton Jacket totally made in italy Size 48
Missoni Vintage Runway S/S 1991 Silk Floral Sequin Mini Dress, Cardigan Jacket
By Missoni
Located in Woodland Hills, CA
Seen on the Missoni Spring/Summer 1991 runway and featured in Elle magazine that March, this vintage silk sequin-embellished piece is a standout from the collection. Crafted from 100...
Missoni cardigan cape-style
By Missoni
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
MISSONI - (Made in Italy) Multicolored mesh cape-style cardigan. Size label missing, it fits a 36FR/38FR/40FR/42/44FR. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: 110 cm SK...
UNWORN Missoni Multicolor Crochet Knit Jacket Blazer Cardigan Coat with Belt 38
By Missoni
Located in Switzerland, CH
A stunning summer coat by MISSONI - impossible to find! Multicolored silk knit coat with a double-breasted hidden press stud fastening front. This Missoni coat has long elasticate...
$226Sale Price|20% Off
Missoni 1990s Grey Multicolored Wool Jacket Size 46 Fits Like 42
By Missoni
Located in Capri, IT
Missoni grey multicoloured wool jacket totally made in italy in size 46 but fits smaller like a 42
$296Sale Price|21% Off
Missoni Vintage Green Unisex Jacket Circa 1980s Made in Italy Size 44
By Missoni
Located in Capri, IT
Missoni Green Jacket Totally made in italy in italian size range 44
$312Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 1990s Missoni Women's Brown Wool Jacket, Italian Size 42
By Missoni
Located in Capri, IT
Missoni brown wool jacket Missoni totally made in italy wool jacket italian size 42
MISSONI Gold and Cream Metallic Houndstooth Stretch Blazer Size 40
By Missoni
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Missoni blazer is composed of a gold and cream metallic knit with a houndstooth pattern. There are center front button closures with front pockets....
Multicolor jacquard knit cape MISSONI
By Missoni
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Multicolor jacquard knit cape. Knit composition: 48% acrylic, 45% wool 6% rayon. ONE SIZE
$899Sale Price|43% Off
NEW Missoni Multicolor Crochet Knit Cropped Jacket Blazer 40
By Missoni
Located in Switzerland, CH
A stunning jacket by MISSONI - impossible to find! Such a versatile piece - wear it with your favorite pair of jeans, dress, skirt, bodysuit… Cropped sleeves Closes with hidden butt...
Missoni Knit Blouson Jacket
By Missoni
Located in New York, NY
Missoni, neutral toned, wool knit, blouson jacket ,having a middle front zipper closure with a high collar , ribbed cuffs and hem, and vertical hidden side pockets. C. 1970's.
Missoni Contemporary Black and White Long Coat Size 38 for Women
By Missoni
Located in Capri, IT
Missoni black and White coat size 38 totally made in Italy
Vintage Missoni Jacket in Butterfly Print
By Missoni, Missoni Brown label
Located in London, GB
A pretty vintage jacket by Missoni , mainline . The jacket has a blue background with an attractive butterfly print. It has a three button opening, sm...
Missoni Turquoise Puffa Jacket
By Missoni, M Missoni
Located in London, GB
A fun jacket for Spring by Missoni M. In a bright turquoise colour with colourful lining., the jacket has a front zip opening , two zip pockets at the front and popper cuffs and col...
MISSONI white & multicolour viscose HOODED KNIT Coat Jacket 42 M
By Missoni
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Missoni knit cardigan in stretchy light blue, pink, white and yellow viscose (97%) and polyester (3%). Features a hood in similar pattern and opens with strangles arou...
Missoni Brown Label, Sky Blue and Brown Jacket
By Missoni, Missoni Brown label
Located in London, GB
A great jacket for Spring by Missoni main line. The jacket is in a lovely combination of sky blue and brown, is double breasted and has a pocket on either side. Measurements
$216Sale Price|20% Off
MISSONI Size 38 Brown Black Glenplaid Virgin Wool Oversized Sport Coat
By Missoni
Located in San Francisco, CA
Vintage MISSONI UOMO oversized sport coat in a brown and black virgin wool fabric featuring a glenplaid pattern, notch lapel, ventless back, and double button closure. Made in Italy....
$2,963Sale Price|24% Off
Size: IT 44
New Alexander McQueen Olive Green Wool Cape Jacket Coat Size IT 44
By Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, Alexander McQueen
Located in Conroe, TX
Alexander McQueen Pre-Fall 2015 Brand New $3950 Butter Soft Wool IT44 Olive Mock Knit at Neck Zips and Belted at Waist Fully Lined Two Front Pockets Bust: 37" Waist: 32" Shoulder:...
Chic 1970s Tan Suede Leather Embroidered 70s Vintage Boho Sleeveless Vest Jacket
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic 1970s tan suede embroidered knee length boho vest! Features hand embroidered edges in orange, yellow, green, brown and ivory. Two hook-and-eye cl...
Courreges Striped Leather Belted Jacket, 1980s
By André Courrèges
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The most amazing mod inspired 1980s Courreges striped leather jacket! Made of a soft cream leather, accented with grey and red vertical stripes. Buttons up the side of the chest with...
1970's Tan Shearling Embroidered Coat
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Winter warm 1970's tan sheepskin shearling fur coat by San Francisco manufacturer Furs by Max. Beautiful embroidery throughout the front and seams of coat. Coat hits right below the ...
$3,995
Size: US 8, UK 10
F/W 1990 John Galliano Runway Black White Striped Zip Bustle Jacket US 8, UK 10
By John Galliano
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous black and white striped John Galliano London jacket. From the Fall/Winter 1990 'Fencing' collection, this beautiful jacket d...
1980s Jean Claude Jitrois Zebra Leather Jacket
By Jean-Claude Jitrois
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Feel All Of The 80s Vibes In This Amazing Jean Claude Jacket! Features pieced leather applique in black and white zebra stripes and a hidden zebra face, complete with a detailed ear....
Chanel New 05A 2005 Camellia Runway jacket Coat CC Logo Black FR 38
By Chanel
Located in Merced, CA
Chanel runway jacket Chanel fall 2005 runway collection. It adorned with Camellia throughout and interlocking CC logo buttons. It is new.
Chanel 1980's Rare Reversible Skirt Set
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Feel cool and collected with this 80's era Chanel skirt set! This two-in-one ensemble is completely reversible for a whole new look making this Chanel...
$1,837Sale Price|25% Off
Size: FR 36
New Rare Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL F/W 2001 Runway Coat Jacket Sz 36
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Fall / Winter 2001 Brand New A Rare Find Size: FR 36 $2450 100% Virgin Wool Black Virgin Wool Jacket With Ruffle Trim Shown at the 2001 Fall Runway ...
VIVIENNE WESTWOOD Red Label S/S 1999 Tweed Wool Tailored Princess Coat Jacket
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in Thiensville, WI
DESCRIPTION: VIVIENNE WESTWOOD Red Label S/S 1999 Tweed Wool Tailored Princess Coat Jacket Circa: Spring / Summer 1999 Label(s): Vivienne Westwood Red Label Style: Tailored prince...
NWT Chanel 15A Paris Salzburg jacket Size 40
By Chanel
Located in Merced, CA
Chanel most wanted Paris Salzburg runway jacket. This is new with tags. It is adorned with embroidery throughout. Fabric is beautiful blend of 79% wool, 17% cotton, and 4% polyester.
Trompe L'oeil Oversize Belted Trench Coat
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous beige and black cotton trompe l'oeil trench coat jacket from Japanese designers Naoki Ichihara, Tadanao Yamashita and Shingo Otsuka for TALK ABOUT ...
MISSONI Vintage Sequin Embellished Cardigan Blazer
By Missoni
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Missoni Vintage Size IT42 Excellent condition, no flaws to note Adjustable ties Fringe at wrists FINAL SALE
Missoni silver/grey zig zag knit blazer jacket
By Missoni
Located in London, GB
Classic, timeless Missoni knit blazer jacket. Bought for £1300 and new with tags. Made from silver grey and taupe grey rayon and wool with signature texture zig zag weave, it has a s...
MISSONI Size 4 Charcoal & Silver Knitted Wool Blend Jacket
By Missoni
Located in San Francisco, CA
MISSONI jacket comes in a charcoal & silver knitted wool featuring a high collar, long sleeves, slit pockets, and a hook & loop closure. Made in Italy. Very Good Pre-Owned Condition....
MISSONI Size 8 Black & Grey Knitted Wool Blend Jacket
By Missoni
Located in San Francisco, CA
MISSONI jacket comes in a black & grey knitted wool featuring a high collar, ribbed hem, slit pockets, and a button closure. Made in Italy. Very Good Pre-Owned Condition. Marked: ...
MISSONI Size 38 Black & Blue Single Breasted Textured Sport Coat
By Missoni
Located in San Francisco, CA
MISSONI sport coat comes in a black & blue textured material featuring a notch lapel, patch pockets, and a two button closure. Made in Italy. Very Good Pre-Owned Condition. Marked:...
Missoni Quilted Nylon Puffer Jacket Size EU 34
By Missoni
Located in Amman, JO
Missoni Quilted Nylon Puffer Jacket, Features black padded design, front zip fastening, two side pockets, long sleeves and a removable hood. Material: 100% Polyester Size: EU 34 / R...
Missoni Fringe Trimmed Wool Jacket
By Missoni
Located in London, GB
Missoni Fringe Trimmed Wool Jacket Multicoloured knitted jacket designed with fringe trims. Detailed with button centre closure, notched collar and slit pockets at waist. Size – 4...
MISSONI black & gold wool ZIGZAG SOFT Blazer Jacket 40 S
By Missoni
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Missoni zig zag soft knit blazer in black and taupe wool (60%) and rayon (40%). Features long sleeves and sewn shut patch pockets on the front. Opens with two buttons ...
MISSONI green viscose CHEVRON KNIT Blazer Jacket 40 S
By Missoni
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Missoni classic crochet-knit blazer in green missing tag (probably rayon and wool) with long sleeves, two patch pockets in the front. Closes with two buttons in the fr...
Missoni Vintage Multicolor Oversized Coat
By Missoni
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Give it up for the most amazing vintage Missoni coat! From the 1980's, in great condition, this is ready for a new home. This highly textured and ultra-plush coat...
Superbe MISSONI Gold Metallic Soft Crochet Knit Dress Vest Jacket Blazer 40
By Missoni
Located in Switzerland, CH
A stunning knit jacket by MISSONI - impossible to find! Such a versatile piece - wear it with your favorite pair of jeans, dress, skirt, bodysuit… or as a dress Lapel collar Gold-met...
UNWORN Missoni Metallic Soft Blue Crochet Knit Jacket Blazer 38
By Missoni
Located in Switzerland, CH
A stunning jacket by MISSONI - impossible to find! Such a versatile piece - wear it with your favorite pair of jeans, dress, skirt, bodysuit… Lapel collar Closes with one double butt...