In brief
The fashion world is paying tribute to Rosita Missoni, co-founder of the iconic Missoni knitwear brand, who has passed away at the age of 93. Her death was announced by Attilio Fontana, the president of Lombardy, who expressed profound sorrow at the loss of a figure who contributed significantly to Italy’s cultural landscape.
Born in 1931 in Golasecca, Lombardy, Rosita Missoni, alongside her late husband Ottavio, launched the luxury knitwear label in 1953, creating a distinctive brand celebrated for its vibrant zig-zag patterns and bold colors. Their journey began with a small workshop in Gallarate, which quickly evolved into a fashion powerhouse after receiving a pivotal order from a major Milanese department store in 1958.The couple's romance sparked during a chance meeting in London, where Tai was an athlete and Rosita was learning English. Their shared vision for fashion blossomed into a thriving business that captivated audiences with its inaugural catwalk show in 1966. The bold move to have models remove their white bras during a presentation in Florence led to significant buzz and catapulted Missoni into global prominence.While Tai Missoni passed away in 2013, Rosita continued to be involved with the brand, particularly in the home line, Missoni Home, even after their daughter Angela took over the creative helm in the 1990s. Rosita's legacy will forever remain rooted in the rich tapestry of Italian fashion and craftsmanship.
