Date: Italian, founded 1953

Biography: Founded by Ottavio and Rosita Missoni in 1953, the Missoni company is known for its distinctive patterns featuring stripes, chevrons, and zigzags that come together in a kaleidoscope of color. “People have always been attracted to our fashion because it is easy and young,” says Rosita Missoni. Certainly, during the 1960s their artful designs caught the eye of Italian fashion journalist Anna Piaggi and Vogue editor Diana Vreeland who helped promote their knitwear internationally. Today, Missoni designs are worn by trendsetters such as Madonna, Kate Moss and Nicole Kidman. “Our philosophy since we went into business has been that a piece of clothing should be like a work of art.” Rosita told the New York Post. Indeed, Missoni’s textile inspirations have ranged from the work of Giacomo Balla and Sonia Delaunay, to Incan and Guatemalan textiles. Praised by Vogue as “the masters of color mix,” Ottavio and Rosita’s use of space dyed yarns – initiated in 1969 - allowed Missoni to flawlessly blend shades color. “Look! Who said that only colors exist?” proclaimed Diana Vreeland. “There are also tones!” The Missoni family has established an iconic aesthetic which they keep developing season after season. Stylistically consistent, Missoni garments can be mixed and matched regardless of collection or decade – a testament to their timeless quality. Ottavio and Rosita’s work was already extremely successful during the 1970s and 1980s, and the company underwent a makeover when their daughter, Angela, took over as creative director in 1997. Ottavio Missoni died in 2013.