Missoni Italy -Stylert.com
missoni SS2011
Missoni is known for its innovative colourful knits in multitude of patterns such as stripes, and for their abstract florals. It seems that Missoni see and understands colours in different way than the rest of us. We can find creation from elegant eveningwear, knit cardigans, accessories, swimwear, homeware, luxury goods and even hotels.
The story of the Italian fashion house started when founders Rosita and Ottavio first met in 1948 at the Olympic Games in London. She was studying English and decided to attend some track and field events. He was a track runner who also supplied the Italian track team’s uniforms. They married five years later and set up a workshop in Milan initially designing tracksuits and later knitwear. They launched their own label from their basement in 1953. Shortly after, the Missoni multicoloured patterns and stripes were solidified. Still a family affair, the founder’s daughter, Angela designs and sons, Luca and Vittorio oversee the business. Established at the forefront of Italian fashion, this family run business has continued to create innovative knits since husband and wife team.
The Missoni signature colours and designs are as relevant today as they were over fifty years ago and continue to impress the fashion pack each season. Famed for their unconventional mix of colour and pattern, and with daughter Angela now at the creative helm they continue to create luxurious eveningwear, casual knits and must-have accessories. Their eye-catching beachwear has also been able to win over a younger audience and with Margherita as a muse for the brand, we can see why. The early 1970s saw Missoni reach the peak of their influence in the fashion world.
The Missoni Home collection has its roots in furnishing fabrics produced in 1981 in collaboration with Rosita’s family firm. They launched their first perfume in 1982, although that product has nothing to do with the license now held by Estée Lauder. Tai Missoni then became more interested in other projects, everything from designing costumes for La Scala, to designing carpets and tapestries. Rosita has admitted that in the 1990s she lost interest in fashion, before handing over to her daughter Angela in 1998. Rosita now is responsible for overseeing the design of all home projects.
Aside from the main Missoni line, the company has diversified into a variety of luxury goods. Missoni Sport was initially licensed out but production and marketing was brought in-house in January 2002 and has since been discontinued.
In November 2005, Missoni and the Rezidor Hotel Group signed an agreement to create Hotel Missoni, a lifestyle hotel chain, with plans to have 30 hotels open or in development by 2012. As of August 2009, five properties have been confirmed.
Hotel Missoni Edinburgh – Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom – opened June 8, 2009
Hotel Missoni Kuwait – Kuwait City, Kuwait – opening September/October 2010
Hotel Missoni Cape Town – Cape Town, South Africa – opening early 2011
Hotel Missoni Jebel Sifah – Muscat, Oman – opening Q1 2012
Hotel Missoni Ilha de Cajaíba – Bahia, Brazil – opening Q1 2012
