Rosita Missoni, the esteemed matriarch of the renowned Italian fashion house famous for its vibrant zigzag-patterned knitwear, has peacefully passed away at the age of 93. The announcement was made by Missoni SpA and the Missoni family in a joint statement.

Local officials expressed their condolences and reflected on Missoni’s profound connection to Gallarate, a small northern Italian city where the Missoni brand was established in an artisan shop in 1953. Born Rosita Jelmini into a family that owned a textile factory, Missoni eventually partnered with her husband Ottavio Missoni to create the prestigious fashion house that would become a cultural staple.

The couple launched their careers in 1958 after Rinascente department store commissioned their first collection of richly striped shirt dresses, marking the beginning of the Missoni legacy. Their first main runway show took place in 1966 in Milan, a city that blossomed into a fashion capital, heavily influenced by their innovative designs.

The iconic brand was characterized by its graphic zigzags and glamorous yet wearable styles, which often saw family members modeling the creations in their daily lives. While the business was handed over to their children in 1997, Rosita remained actively involved, particularly in the Missoni home collection.

In a tragic turn of events in 2013, as the house celebrated its 60th anniversary, they faced the loss of their eldest son, CEO Vittorio Missoni, who died in a plane accident over Venezuela, followed shortly by the passing of patriarch Ottavio at 92. In recent years, the Missoni family sold a 41.2% stake to an Italian investment fund while maintaining majority control.

As the fashion industry mourns the loss of this legendary figure, there has been no immediate update regarding her funeral arrangements. For further details, visit Los Angeles Times.