Rosita Missoni: the visionary of colour and zigzag passes away at 93

Rosita Missoni, co-founder of the iconic fashion house Missoni, transformed the industry with her vibrant knits and unique patterns, leaving behind an everlasting legacy.

Rosita Missoni, co-founder of the renowned Missoni brand, died on 1 January 2025 at her home in Sumirago, Italy, aged 93. Known as the matriarch of Italian knitwear, Missoni revolutionized fashion with her bold use of colour and geometric patterns.

Born Rosita Jelmini in 1931 into a textile family, her destiny seemed intertwined with design. In 1953, after marrying Ottavio Missoni, the couple founded a small business in Gallarate, which would eventually become synonymous with elegance and originality. Missoni’s distinctive zigzag patterns and explosion of colours defined the brand’s DNA, standing out in an industry largely dominated by restraint.

A pivotal moment came in 1967, during a Florence fashion show. Rosita instructed the models to remove their bras to avoid disrupting the garments’ lines. However, the lighting unexpectedly made the outfits appear transparent, sparking a media sensation that propelled the brand to international fame.

Rosita led the fashion house until 1997, when she handed over creative control to her daughter Angela and turned her attention to Missoni Home, the brand’s interior design line. With her vision and innovative spirit, Rosita Missoni not only redefined fashion but also created a unique lifestyle that will continue to inspire generations to come.