Rosita Missoni, co-founder and matriarch of Missoni, has died aged 93.
A key element in that experiments success was Rositas heritage and expertise in textiles.
She was born Rosita Jelmini in 1931 in Golasecca, Varese.
Designer Rosita Missoni (Photo by Tim Jenkins/Guy Marineau/WWD/Penske Media via Getty Images)
Her parents Angelo and Diamante both worked in the familys shawl and embroidery factory.
Ottavio and Rosita in 1972.
Through a family friend, he and Rosita met and began courting.
Ottavio and Rosita in 1972.
Their zigzag-shaped eureka moment four years later was finely timed.
During the 1970s Missonis signature motifs would come to communicate progressive Italian fashion across the US.
When Milan Fashion Week formally began a few years later, Missoni was amongst the founding brands.
Ottavio, Angela, and Rosita Missoni at the Missoni spring 1998 ready-to-wear show.
During the 1980s it established a homewares business and expanded into fragrance and beauty.
Ottavio, Angela, and Rosita Missoni at the Missoni spring 1998 ready-to-wear show.
The Missoni family at the fall 2010 menswear show.
The Missoni family at the fall 2010 menswear show.
My mother was equal parts creative visionary and fearless leader, Angela toldVogue.
This last September, she was an enthusiastic guest at thepresentationof her granddaughter Margheritas label, Maccapani.
Rosita and Ottavio at a Missoni show.
Rosita and Ottavio at a Missoni show.
