Rosita Missoni, Iconic Co-Founder of Missoni Knitwear, Passes Away at 93

Rosita Missoni, who co-founded the globally recognized Italian label Missoni, has passed away, leaving behind a rich legacy of vibrant fashion that began in 1953 with her husband, Ottavio. Her innovative designs and iconic zig-zag motifs transformed the fashion landscape, making a significant cultural impact both in Italy and abroad.

Rosita Missoni, co-founder of the iconic Italian knitwear brand Missoni, has died at the age of 93. Her passing was confirmed by Attilio Fontana, president of Italy's Lombardy region, who commended her contributions to fashion and acknowledged the profound loss felt across the nation, particularly in her hometown of Golasecca, Lombardy.

Born in 1931, Rosita's passion for textiles was rooted in her family's history as shawlmakers. After meeting her husband Ottavio during a study trip to London, they married in 1953 and began their journey to create Missoni. They launched their first machine-knitwear workshop in Gallarate, near Milan, where their groundbreaking designs began to emerge.

Missoni's creativity saw a breakthrough in 1958 when a Milanese department store ordered their striped dresses, marking their entry into high fashion. Their debut catwalk show in 1966 further established their reputation, with a memorable moment arising in the following year when controversy surrounding see-through garments brought the brand heightened visibility.

Despite the passing of Ottavio in 2013, Rosita continued to play an active role in the brand, particularly in the Missoni Home line. Their daughter, Angela, took the helm of the fashion house in the late 1990s, ensuring that the Missoni legacy thrived. Rosita's influence on fashion, characterized by her playful and colorful approach, holds a significant place in the industry's history.