FASHION-BEAUTY

Remembering the co-founder of Missoni, who transformed colorful patterns into a global fashion phenomenon

words MATTIA MARCASSA BARBIERI

Rosita Missoni, the co-founder and matriarch of the renowned Italian fashion house Missoni, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2025, at the age of 93. Born Rosita Jelmini on November 20, 1931, in Golasecca, Italy, she was immersed in the textile industry from a young age, thanks to her family’s business specializing in embroidered garments.

In 1953, Rosita married Ottavio “Tai” Missoni, and together they established a small knitwear workshop in Gallarate. Their collaboration gave birth to the Missoni brand, celebrated for its vibrant zigzag patterns and innovative knitwear designs. The couple’s groundbreaking approach to color and texture played a pivotal role in elevating Italian ready-to-wear fashion on the global stage.

Rosita Missoni photographed at the Missoni studios in Milan on Oct. 10, 1972. Image Credit : Fairchild Archive

The Missonis gained international acclaim in the 1960s, with their first fashion show at Milan’s Teatro Gerolamo in 1966 and a notable presentation at Florence’s Palazzo Pitti in 1967. Their designs, characterized by a fearless mix of patterns and hues, captivated audiences worldwide. Diana Vreeland, then editor of Vogue America, famously praised their work, stating, “These people are geniuses! Who says there are only seven colors? There are also tones!”

Under Rosita’s creative direction, Missoni became synonymous with luxury knitwear, expanding its offerings to include home furnishings through the Missoni Home line. Her dedication to quality and innovation earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Neiman Marcus Fashion Award in 1973 and the title of Knight of Labor from the President of the Italian Republic in 2014.

Rosita Missoni (L) and Ottavio “Tai” Missoni (L) with models in looks from the Missoni spring 1978 collection in Milan on Oct. 11, 1977. Photo credit of Guy Marineau
Designer Rosita Missoni fits a model in a cape from the Missoni fall 1980 collection at the Missoni headquarters in Milan on Feb. 25, 1980. Image Credit : Fairchild Archive

After passing the operational reins to her children in 1997, Rosita continued to influence the brand’s aesthetic, particularly through the Missoni Home collection. Her legacy is evident in the enduring popularity of Missoni’s designs, which remain a testament to her visionary approach to fashion and design.

Rosita Missoni’s passing marks the end of an era for the fashion industry. Her contributions not only defined a brand but also left an indelible mark on global fashion, inspiring generations of designers and fashion enthusiasts.