Rosita Missoni, co-founder with her husband Ottavio of the Italian fashion house Missoni, has died aged 93. With her zigzag print and colorful striped knits, she left an indelible stylistic imprint spanning six decades. Nine months after the loss of the king of leopard print, Roberto Cavalli (aged 83), and four months after the announcement of Alberta Ferretti’s departure from her eponymous brand as artistic director, it’s the turn of another Italian figure to move the fashion scene.
Lombardy entrepreneur and designer Rosita Missoni, née Jelmini, passed away on Thursday, January 2, 2025. She joins her late husband, with whom she co-founded her eponymous brand. Attilio Fontana, President of the Lombardy Region, lamented, “a great loss for Italy, Lombardy and the province of Varese,” where the designer was originally from and still lived to this day.
Born on November 24, 1931, Rosita Jelmini hailed from Golasecca, not far from Milan. She grew up in a family of shawl-makers, which sparked her early appreciation for textiles and craftsmanship. At just 16, she crossed paths with Ottavio Missoni during her study trip to London, where he represented Italy at the 1948 Olympic Games, competing in the 400 meters hurdles. Their bond quickly grew over shared interests, leading to their marriage in 1953.
After tying the knot, the couple established Missoni from the basement of their home, which initially involved setting up four knitting machines. Their first big break came five years later when Milan's renowned department store, Rinascente, ordered hundreds of striped dresses bearing the Missoni label.
Rosita became the driving force behind the Missoni brand, known for its bold zigzag patterns and colors. The brand gained international recognition following its runway debut at the Pitti Palace in Florence. One of the most memorable moments came when models wore clothes so lightweight they became semi-transparent under the runway lights—an incident which paradoxically boosted the Missoni brand's profile.
“When I got married, four sewing machines arrived with my husband,” Rosita Missoni once said, highlighting how the couple's commitment to their craft began early on. Her hands-on approach and visionary instincts helped redefine knitwear as not just functional, but also highly artistic.
Missoni's creations were not confined to the fashion industry; they bridged the gap between art and design, with influential fashion journalist Bernadine Morris lauding Rosita’s work for “elevated knitting to an art form.” Rosita and Ottavio pioneered the use of vivid colors and patterns, which aligned perfectly with the vibrant cultural zeitgeist of the 1960s.
Despite her passing, the impact of Rosita's creative vision continues through Missoni's current leadership. Their daughter Angela took over after Rosita stepped back from daily operations around 1997, yet Rosita remained involved with the Missoni Home collection, showcasing her talent for interior design.
Rosita’s unique perspective on fashion was encapsulated in her belief: “Fashion is not something compulsory. I like it when people feel free.” This ethos guided not only her designs but also her life philosophy, emphasizing creativity, individuality, and joy.
Rosita Missoni’s legacy extends far beyond her beautiful knitwear creations; it is embodied within the values imparted to future generations of the Missoni family. Angela Missoni reflected on her mother’s influence, stating, “My mother was equal parts creative visionary and fearless leader. She had the determination to make things happen and, together with my father, changed the course of fashion.”
With her passing, Rosita leaves behind not only her remarkable body of work but also her children and grandchildren, who continue to honor her legacy and the colorful brand she built. From their humble beginnings to global recognition, the Missoni brand serves as a constant reminder of Rosita Missoni’s undeniable stamp on the fashion world, one of vibrant patterns and timeless elegance.