On January 1, Rosita Missoni, a designer who symbolized the Italian fashion world, passed away at the age of 93. Together with her husband Ottavio Missoni, she built the brand Missoni, which continues to captivate fashion lovers worldwide with its vibrant colors and bold patterns.
Growing up surrounded by textiles, Rosita developed a deep understanding and passion for materials while becoming familiar with shawls and embroidered fabrics in her family-run workshop. Her life and career took a transformative turn when she met Ottavio during her studies in London, a fateful encounter that would define her path.
The small knitwear workshop the couple established in Gallarate, Lombardy, in northern Italy, called Maglificio Jolly, eventually grew into a globally recognized brand. Known for its light textures, distinctive zigzag patterns, and “Put Together” style combining different patterns, the brand transcended mere fashion to become a cultural movement. Later, in 1967, during a fashion show at the Pitti Palace in Florence, the incident where models’ outfits became sheer under runway lights caused a sensation, bringing widespread attention to the brand.
While the Missoni style was celebrated as the work of “color geniuses,” the foundation of the brand lay in its deep sense of family and humanity. Rosita was not merely a creator but a symbol of a “lifestyle” centered on family. In her later years, she cherished her time at her home in Sumirago, surrounded by nature and her family. Hunting porcini mushrooms, cooking, and spending time with her grandchildren was for her extensions of creativity and pure joy.
Upon hearing the news of her passing, Giorgio Armani expressed his condolences, saying, “Rosita, with her good taste, her strong character and vision, is an example that continues to be an inspiration. This is how I remember her.” Diane von Furstenberg also paid tribute, stating, “They represented the best of Made in Italy!”
Throughout her life, Rosita Missoni wove a narrative of colors and patterns, creating not just a brand but a celebration of life itself. Her spirit will continue to shine through her family and the brand she built, leaving a lasting legacy.