Mourning in the world of high fashion, Made in Italy and entrepreneurship for the death at 93 of Rosita Missoni, queen of color, icon of style and creativity. With her beloved husband Ottavio, married in 1953, she founded the famous and eponymous brand then exported all over the world. Born in Golasecca to a family of textile artisans, Rosita Missoni has always remained tied to the Varese area and in particular to Sumirago.
The Missoni myth is, in fact, a worldwide success born in 1953 in a 100 square meter basement in Gallarate before moving to the house-atelier in Sumirago frequented by men and women of culture, filmmakers and stars of the caliber of Federico Fellini, Enzo Biagi, Ermanno Olmi, Lea Massari, Natalia Aspesi or Donna Summer. Rosita and 'Tai', as we all called her late husband Ottavio, athlete and creative of the fashion house who passed away in 2013, were very close to the province of Varese and their company has always maintained, as mentioned, its headquarters in Sumirago, choosing to set up the company museum in the hamlet of Albusciago. Modern and creative Rosita Jelmini had fashion in her DNA: she studied at the Rosetum in Besozzo (Varese) and once she graduated she left for London to improve her English.
A training path that is taken for granted today but that was not at all in the post-war years, especially for a girl. It was in London that she met Ottavio Missoni, whom she would marry a few years later; together they would create their first laboratory in the cellar of the new house from where, in 1958, the first Missoni-designed garments would arrive. In 1966 the first fashion show in Milan, the following year in Florence and in the meantime the unmistakable style of the brand began to assert itself.
The use of colors, the harmony of the stripes and the continuous search for new materials have made the garments unmistakable. Many people, even from the political as well as business world, have wanted to remember her. From the Lombard president Attilio Fontana, and among other things from Varese, to the president of the Senate Ignazio La Russa, to the Milanese senator of the Pd Cristina Tajani and to the deputy of the League Stefano Candiani.
It is “a great loss for Italy, Lombardy and the province of Varese where she was born and lived”, Fontana’s words of condolence, underlining how “the affection of the Missoni family for Varese has been reciprocated on various occasions. I like to mention the Sala Missoni which is one of the strong points of the Maga in Gallarate and which celebrates the company that is a symbol of Made in Italy and Made in Lombardy, with its famous multicoloured patterns”. “The whole of Confindustria Varese is united around the Missoni family – underlines the president Roberto Grassi – and the whole company for the passing of Rosita, one of the greatest entrepreneurs in our territory and in our industrial history. She was an example and an icon of tenacity, foresight, vision, creativity, flair, organisation, attachment to one’s roots”.
“A strong and determined woman, who – recalls President La Russa – was able to honor the memory of the foibe with great sensitivity, sharing this commitment with her husband Ottavio. To her loved ones I extend my heartfelt condolences and thoughts of closeness, also on behalf of the Senate of the Republic”.
"Her unique vision, characterized by a refined balance between innovation and tradition, has revolutionized the world of fashion, giving the public unmistakable garments that tell stories of beauty and authenticity. Rosita Missoni has succeeded in bringing the province of Varese to the world, combining craftsmanship, taste, color and style with the typical industriousness of the Lombards, demonstrating the deep bond with the territory and the ability to enhance its roots through design", explains the regional councilor for Culture Francesca Caruso.
Article published on 2 January 2025 - 19:51
