Rosita Missoni, Iconic Designer and Co-Founder of the Missoni Brand, Passes Away at 93

Rosita Missoni, revered co-founder of the renowned Italian knitwear label Missoni, has sadly passed away at the age of 93. Her remarkable journey began in 1953 when she and her husband, Ottavio "Tai" Missoni, established the luxury brand that would forever redefine fashion with its vibrant zig-zag patterns. Attilio Fontana, president of Italy's Lombardy region, announced the news, acknowledging Rosita's lasting impact on both the fashion industry and her homeland of Varese.

Born in Golasecca, Lombardy, in 1931 to a family of shawlmakers, Rosita's passion for textiles flourished early. On a visit to London for an English course, she serendipitously met her future husband, who was a talented athlete competing in the 1948 Olympics. It wasn’t long before they began their life together, with Rosita humorously recalling the arrival of sewing machines as part of her marriage dowry.

The Missoni brand's breakthrough occurred in 1958 with a substantial order from a Milan department store, marking the start of a remarkable rise to fame. Their first catwalk show debuted in 1966, and a controversial moment involving sheer fabrics and visible lingerie propelled Missoni into the limelight. Following the death of Tai Missoni in 2013, their daughter Angela assumed leadership while Rosita continued to contribute to the Missoni legacy with the home line.

Rosita's legacy will be celebrated, as her work earned a special place in fashion history.