Italian fashion giant Rosita Missoni, co-founder of the renowned knitwear label Missoni, passed away at the age of 93. Her vibrant and innovative designs, notably the zig-zag motif, have left an indelible mark on the fashion industry.

The news of Missoni’s passing was announced by Attilio Fontana, president of Italy’s Lombardy region. Fontana praised Missoni’s “multicoloured textures” and described her death as a significant loss for Italy, Lombardy, and the province of Varese, where Missoni was born and resided.

Co-founding Missoni in 1953 with her husband Ottavio, Missoni began her journey in fashion against a backdrop of family heritage. Her parents were skilled in producing shawls, instilling in her a lifelong passion for textiles.

While studying in London to learn English, Rosita Missoni encountered her future husband, Ottavio. Known professionally as Tai, he was competing in the 400m hurdles at the 1948 Olympic Games. Initially producing knit tracksuits, Tai’s innovative design of ease accessorized with a zip led to him bringing four sewing machines as part of their wedding dowry.

The Missonis initially set up a small workshop in Gallarate, near Milan. A pivotal moment in their career occurred in 1958 when a Milanese department store ordered Missoni’s striped dresses in large quantities.

The Missonis organized their first fashion show in 1966, followed by a significant presentation at the prestigious Pitti Palace in Florence in 1967. A memorable controversy further propelled the brand into global prominence. Audience interest heightened when models were asked to remove their bras due to the sheer nature of some Missoni blouses.

Ottavio Missoni passed away in 2013, leaving Rosita to continue shaping the brand. In the late 1990s, her daughter Angela assumed control of Missoni with Rosita focusing on the burgeoning home line, Missoni Home.

Rosita Missoni’s passing marks the end of an era, but her contributions to fashion remain timeless. Her vibrant, multicoloured textiles have left a lasting impression on both the industry and fashion enthusiasts worldwide.

“When I got married, four sewing machines arrived with my husband,” she once shared in an interview with AFP in 2016. Her dedication to the Missoni brand, alongside Ottavio, exemplified years of commitment to creativity and sheer, boundless passion. Missoni’s legacy will continue to inspire and captivate through generations of fashion lovers.

In a tribute, industry insiders and admirers alike have expressed their respect and gratitude to Rosita Missoni for her enduring contributions to the fashion world. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of creativity, partnership, and perseverance.