The World of Missoni: Missionologia by Isa Tutino Vercelloni

This beautiful, interesting and very informative 163-page book explores the world of Missoni. You may be familiar with the beautiful and colorful zig-zag patterned knit fabric that is the epitome of a Missoni design. Every fashion lover knows that a Missoni piece is a necessity for a fun summer day of shopping, strolling, or beach time. Here’s how this unique and versatile fashion house has gotten to where it is today. The Missoni design house is a family owned and operated business and always has been. Ottavio and Rosita Missoni always had a taste for fashion and started to experiment with knitwear in the early 1950’s. They developed their first Missoni-labeled garments in 1958, which were beautiful striped shirt dresses that became popular in Italian department stores. The signature zig-zag motif was created in 1962 when the couple was ready to move on from the stripes. After discovering Raschel machines that knit in a zig-zag pattern, they experimented with shawls and then started on clothing. After years of fashion shows and attempting to gain exposure, Missoni was finally offered an in-store boutique in the New York City Bloomingdale’s department store. The 1970’s were a booming time for the couple and a men’s collection as well as a fragrance were introduced at the end of the era. The talented duo is recognized for their fashionable designs with several exhibitions around the world. The Missoni designs were also featured in Vogue and the house started designing flip flops and other beach-themed apparel. The 2000’s brought about a whirlwind of celebrity attention. Missoni could be found on stars like Madonna, Kate Bosworth, and Ashley Judd. The fashion house designs an affordable line for Target fashion and home. This beautiful book is filled with dozens of photos and illustrations of the very distinctive Missoni fashions.