Rosita Missoni, Iconic Fashion Designer, Passes Away at 93

The passing of Rosita Missoni, celebrated for her innovative contributions to fashion, marks a significant loss for the industry and her community.

Rosita Missoni, co-founder of the famous Italian knitwear label, has died at the age of 93. The news of her passing was confirmed by Lombardy's president, Attilio Fontana, who recognized Missoni's legacy, highlighting the brand's signature "multicoloured textures". He described her death as a significant loss to Italy, particularly to her birthplace and the region of Varese.

Born in 1931 in Golasecca, Lombardy, Rosita began her journey in fashion with her late husband, Ottavio "Tai" Missoni, whom she met in London during a study trip while he was competing in the 400-meter hurdles at the 1948 Olympics. The couple established their luxury brand in 1953, becoming renowned for its distinctive zig-zag patterns and vibrant knitwear.

The brand saw its first major success in 1958 when a Milanese department store ordered a large quantity of striped dresses. The first Missoni catwalk show took place in 1966, gaining further attention after a daring moment in Florence when models were asked to remove visible bras from under sheer blouses, catapulting the brand into international fame.

Tai Missoni passed away in 2013, and their daughter Angela assumed leadership of the fashion house in the late 1990s. Despite this, Rosita remained actively involved in the brand, particularly in its home line, Missoni Home, making an indelible mark on the fashion landscape.