Missoni Vintage Sequin Chevron Open Shoulder Maxi Dress

Name: Missoni Vintage Sequin Chevron Open Shoulder Maxi Dress
Brand: Missoni
Price: 1800 USD
Availability: InStock

About the Item

Famed for their iconic kaleidoscopic knits, Missoni crafts jersey fabric into comfortable, creative clothing. Since the conception of the brand in the 1950s, Missoni has mastered the art of pattern mixing and color combinations. From the early 2000’s, this exquisite Missoni maxi dress exudes a timeless, effortless chic. Done in a semi-transparent knit fabric that is covered in clear, iridescent sequins, the dress features a chevron pattern in shades of black, lavender, yellow, pale pink, and light turquoise. The cold shoulder bodice is introduced with a plunging V neckline framed by two black straps on clear Lucite loops, creating a striking visual contrast with the dramatic open shoulder long sleeves. Size estimate: Small tagged a 42 IT Measurements: Bust: 32-35 inches Waist: 28 -30 inches Hips: 34- 36 inches Length: 61 inches The bodice and sleeves fall from small gathers on the Lucite loops, evoking the elegance of a Grecian gown, albeit with a modern twist. The dress is fitted throughout and falls to a maxi length at the ankles in a dainty hem, creating a columnar silhouette. The chevron pattern spirals around the arms at the sleeves and mirrors the V neckline at the front and back of the dress, giving the fabric a pleasing visual rhythm and movement of its own.Every sequin on this dress appears to be intact, creating a seamless, shimmering masterpiece that has the intended mesmerizing effect. A special addition to the discerning fashion lover’s wardrobe, this dress is the perfect choice for wedding, evening soiree, or special occasion This vintage Missoni gown is unlined and slips on over the head for easy wear. In excellent condition, it has been professionally eco dry cleaned and pressed. High-quality vintage pieces like this are yours to live in and love while increasing in value every year. It’s never too soon to start collecting them, as an investment in your wardrobe—and in yourself.

Designer:

Missoni

Brand:

Missoni

Dimensions:

Marked Size: small (US)

Place of Origin:

Italy

Period:

2000-2009

Condition:

Seller Location:

Boca Raton, FL

Reference Number:

1stDibs: LU73016629552

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Missoni

In 1953, Ottavio “Tai” Missoni (1921–2013) and Rosita Missoni (b. 1931) opened a small knitwear shop in Gallarate, Italy, paving the way for what would become an iconic style of colorful chevron knit.

Missoni began with a tracksuit, which featured zippers down the legs because, as Rosita recalls it, “Tai was too lazy to take off his shoes when putting them on.” The couple’s fashion really took off, though, once they discovered the Raschel knitting machine on a trip to a shawl factory. The machine enabled the Missonis to knit multiple colors in a zigzag pattern, a motif that would go on to become synonymous with the Missoni brand across everything from its alluring vintage day dresses and sweaters to its purses, seating and rugs.

Missoni held its first fashion show in Florence in 1967 and caused a bit of a sensation when the models’ Lurex dresses proved translucent under the lights at the Pitti Palace. Scandal aside, the show went down in history as a hit, and the Missonis soon made their debut in the United States with the help of legendary fashion editor Diana Vreeland, who gave the variegated Missoni stripe the Vogue seal of approval, saying, “Who says a rainbow has seven colors? It has many shades.” (It was also Vreeland who reportedly introduced the Missonis to Neiman Marcus president Stanley Marcus, effectively shepherding the brand to the American market.)

Missoni’s many-shaded rainbow would soon become an emblem of the 1970s fashion scene, earning the brand a permanent place in the fashion canon. In 1973, the New York Times proclaimed: “Missoni’s weaved garments have ended up universal materialistic trifles, as Vuitton sacks and Gucci shoes.”

The brand branched into the home market in 1983, with Rosita overseeing this new venture, Missoni Home, which included furniture, textiles and accessories. Daughter Angela succeeded her mother at the helm of the brand, where she served as creative director until 2021 and is currently president; her brother Luca is CEO, while her daughter Margherita was creative director of M Missoni, a modestly priced offshoot that was discontinued in 2021.

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