House of Missoni



Missoni Collection F/W 2010

As a teenager I would always stare and marvel at the beautiful artworks of Missoni campaign ads in fashion magazines. At that time I would imagine that I would be an illustrator for this fashion brand (which of course did not happen). In fact, I would try to draw the fashion ads my own style. Now as an adult, I still observe the new collections that Missoni would present each season. The cool part about its designs are the use of colors and beautiful patterns.

The brand was born through the union of Ottavio Missoni and his wife Rosita in the early 50's. The Missonis started their knitwear business in the basement of their home utilizing a few old knitting machines. First selling their designs to other labels and then later starting to establish their own fashion house in 1953.

It was in 1969 when fashion doyenne and Vogue editor Diana Vreeland noticed the style of the Missoni patterns and colors and introduced the Italian knitwear label to the United States and to the world and the rest is fashion history for the House of Missoni. The Missoni creations garnered a lot of awards in fashion design from around the world by its distinctive style that influenced fabric and fashion design.

Today the thriving business is still owned and run by Ottavio and Rosita Missoni and their children Angela (women's wear), Vittorio (marketing director) and Luca (menswear and sportswear and technology). The fashion house turned 50 years old in 2003 and launched its Missoni Profumi scent in 2006 by grandaughter Margherita.

Missoni brand is truly amazing, always new and forever evolving.

Photo Credit: Missoni Women's Wear Collection F/W 2010
Photographer: Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images Europe
Photo Links:
http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/9RW0ToxQeQ/Missoni+Milan+Fashion+Week+Womenswear+W+2010/02hCn2_Knpg
http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/9RW0ToxQeQ/Missoni+Milan+Fashion+Week+Womenswear+W+2010/18BVj_lTGTp

My Style Icon: Diana Vreeland

Doyenne of style and extravagant taste Diana Vreeland (1903-1989) is included in My Style Icons. What I like about her style is her consistent fashion sense. Her personality and animated character stands out regardless of whatever she wears and to me that is style. She can wear her clothes well even past her 70's.

I like her style of over-accessorizing as well. She wears tons of accesories to complete a certain look and yes she can pull everything together. The big earrings, the chokers and necklaces, the huge bracelets and her colorful palette is a fashion riot that is truly and only a trademark of Diana Vreeland.

Diana Vreeland who once dictated women how to dress is an original - she breathed fashion and she is fashion.

Photo: Diana Vreeland (Vogue, Dec. 1980)
Photographer: Deborah Turbeville