MISSONI

Ottavio, b. 1921, Rosita b. 1931, and Angela, b.1958. The Italian knitwear house, Missoni, has its roots in the small knitting business newlyweds Ottavio and Rosita Missoni started in 1953.  For several years they sold their sweaters to department stores, and in 1958, started marketing the sweaters under the Missoni name.

In the early 1960s, the company developed the designs that made them famous - flame stitches, wavy lines and zigzags were soon associated with the Missoni name.  Ottavio and Rosita presented their collection in Paris for the first time in 1967, and in 1976, opened boutiques in Milan and New york.   In the mid 1980s they started men's lines and Missoni Sport.  They handed over the business to their daughter Angela in 1997.  In 1998, M Missoni, a lower cost line, was introduced.  Margharita Missoni, granddaughter of the founders, is the "face" of Missoni today.