Channeling Missoni’s Spirit Beyond Zig Zags
Being a Missoni Girl this summer, even without the full wardrobe.
I love Missoni. If I had to pick an Italian fashion house representing summer, it would be this one. Vibrantly feminine and unparalleled, Missoni knows how to make a statement.
The brand has stayed true to the identity many of us admire: Italianità, tasteful elegance, one-of-a-kind craftsmanship, with a splash of serendipity and good ol’ nostalgia. At the end of the day, Missoni makes getting dressed feel fun, expressive, liberating, and empowering while always staying true to itself (A big, straight parallel to the philosophy of Italian dressing in general.
Its pieces are instantly recognizable and loveable: the iconic zig-zag and chevron, the occasional bohemian patchwork, a deep love for flowers and florals, space-dye techniques, and playful and bold color blocking. It’s not trendy nor basic—just undeniably Missoni.
A while back, I wrote a piece called How to Be a Prada Girl Without Wearing Head-to-Toe Prada (you can read it here). But what about the Missoni Girl? Because this summer, we can all channel her spirit
Beyond the zig zag, who is she?
If the Prada Girl tells the story of a modern woman's journey through life, then the Missoni Girl is the counterpart cheering her on.
The Missoni Girl unapologetically celebrates life.
The Missoni Girl is optimistic, joyful, vibrant, playful, resistant, individual.
The Missoni Girl dresses for herself and is naturally drawn to bold color blocks, funky patterns, and intentional mismatching.
The Missoni Girl gravitates towards form-fitting ensembles, go-to, cozy knits, wide-leg gauchos, and cheeky halter tops.
The Missoni Girl appreciates her roots while continually pushing the status quo.
The Missoni Girl taps into her creative rhythms, appreciates the arts, and respects Mother Nature. (If you knew anything about Rosita Missoni, you knew that she was a passionate gardener.)
The Missoni Girl is an activist, a feminist, a free-bird.
The Missoni Girl loves vintage, second-hand pieces and open-air flea markets.
The Missoni Girl loves her family, her friends, herself.
How to dance with the unwritten code of Missoni style for every day life.
What I love about having a profound affinity for a brand is the connection beyond the clothes. What does the brand truly represent to you? What are the clothes trying to tell us? The magic lies in the meaning—the emotion, the identity, the memories. Yet, you don’t have to wear the brand daily to feel or live it.
Color blocking
It goes without saying that Missoni isn’t afraid of color. Rosita Missoni famously said that color is the story of our life, how could you not agree? If pattern mixing is a bit too bold for liking, color mixing is a safe, playful bet while still channeling the Missoni spirit.
Zig zags, stripes, and a lot of lines
The zig zag is the most iconic symbol of the brand since the 1960s, but there is also the love for a colorful, dynamic stripe moment that is also very Missoni. Eye-catching and bold, it feels like the perfect pattern for summer!
Conversational bags
Archivealy speaking, bags by Missoni were never the hero pieces, but they are certainly fun. The brand has used materials like terry cloth, acrylic link staps, straw totes, nonna-inspired crotcheting techniques, and more to make talk-of-town pieces. Especially in summer, it’s optimal to tap into those maximalist bags that may be collecting dust in the back of your closet.
Maximalist maxis
Missoni is maxi—a maximalist brand with a very profound love for a maxi dress. Like texture and shape, there is an art and magical admiration for movement in Missoni pieces that make longer-length dresses and skirts more enticing while wearing them for everyday occasions.
The second-hand accessory
For being one of the most pivotal Italian global fashion brands, the Missoni ladies aren’t too good for a second-hand flea market; instead, it’s a place where they can thrive. Margherita Missoni has repeatedly said that vintage shopping is in her family’s DNA, and it shows. It all adds up from your grandma’s clip-on earrings to the '70s sunglasses from a local flea.
SO GOOD!
I really love this! So fun and inspirational!