Back in 1953, a young newlywed couple named Ottavio and Rosita installed four knitting machines in a basement studio a few miles away from the newly opened Milan Malpensa airport. Theirwas christened Maglificio Jolly. That name, however, didn’t last beyond 1958, when they were invited to graduate from anonymous contract orders to present a collection under their own label for La Rinascente. Their label, the couple decided then, should bear the same name they shared as husband and wife: Missoni.
The Missoni story has had many, many notable chapters since. Just the latest, as told in the fashion trade press today, is that after 24 years as creative director Angela Missoni, daughter of Rosita and the late Ottavio, is “stepping down” from the position to become president of the company.
Today’s announcement is also a matter of tones: Angela Missoni, 62, has had a strong run as creative director, honoring her parents’ legacy while lightening the garments still further, and she most definitely merits some time off. From the sounds of her interview with Tim Blanks on Business of Fashion this morning, she has found the process of stepping away at first conflicting: “I had a moment when I was anxious and then all of a sudden I started to sleep very well.
In a 2011 interview to mark his 90th birthday, Ottavio said of his children: “I never pushed them to pursue this career, but I’m happy because they chose the company themselves. And we all agree it’s a family firm and it must remain as such. We are not capable of creating a huge company. I always say that you can launch a boat that weighs 100,000 tons, but then you must sail it and have the right crew.