Puff. Model Diamante II; Missoni, Italy, 20th century.

Puff. Diamante II model; Missoni, Italy, 20th century.
Printed fabric.
Presents label "Missoni Home".
Measurements: 60 x 40 cm.
Puff with geometric structure featuring a decoration based on the iconic multicolor print. Ottavio and Rosita Missoni established in 1953, a small knitwear workshop in Gallarate, Italy. They presented their first collection under the Missoni label in Milan in 1958. The business flourished, with the support of fashion editor Anna Piaggi, and then in Arianna magazine. Rosita met French stylist Emmanuelle Khanh in New York in 1965, which led to a collaboration and a new collection the following year. In April 1967, they were invited to show at the Pitti Palace in Florence. Rosita told the models to take off their bras, supposedly because they were the wrong color, and showed through the thin lamé blouses. The material became transparent under the lights and caused a sensation. The Missonis were not invited the following year, but business grew; a new factory in Sumirago was built in 1969. Missoni designs were promoted in the U.S. by Diana Vreeland, editor of American Vogue, and a Missoni boutique was opened in Bloomingdales. Missoni reached the height of its influence in the fashion world in the early 1970s, so much so that today the firm continues as an established brand.