Rosita Missoni, co-founder of the renowned Italian fashion house Missoni, passed away on January 2, 2025, at the age of 93, leaving behind an indelible mark on the fashion industry. Known for her vibrant, zigzag-patterned knitwear, she was pivotal in bringing colorful styles to the forefront of high fashion.

Born Rosita Jelmini into a family of textile artisans in Lombardy, Italy, she began her journey into fashion in 1953 when she and her husband, Ottavio Missoni, established their brand. The Missoni label quickly gained fame for its distinct geometric patterns, particularly the iconic fiammato zigzag. The brand’s international acclaim was boosted by innovative marketing, including a notable incident referred to as the "battle of the bras" during a 1967 fashion show.

Rosita's creative vision was instrumental in the brand's success, earning them coverage in major fashion publications such as Vogue, Elle, and Marie Claire. The brand’s aesthetic resonated at a time when the fashion world began shifting away from the elitism of haute couture toward more accessible, everyday wear.

Missoni remained deeply involved in the brand, especially in the home collection line, well into the late 1990s, when her daughter Angela Missoni took over as creative director. The Missoni family endured significant tragedies over the years, including the loss of their son, Vittorio Missoni, in a plane crash in 2013, and the passing of Ottavio shortly after.

Despite challenges, the brand expanded its offerings, even venturing into home collections and hotels, reflecting Rosita's lasting influence on the family business. The legacy of Rosita Missoni is firmly rooted in the colorful and innovative world of fashion she helped to cultivate, inspiring new generations of designers.

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