STYLISH PAIR OF 20thC ITALIAN CONVEX MIRRORS BY MISSONI c.1980

DESCRIPTION

A wonderfully decorative pair of wall mirrors by Missoni, Italy, made in the latter quarter of the 20th century. The oval wood frame covered by leaves made in hammered brass, woven sections of quartz crystals and an off-centre convex mirror.

Some history about the manufacturers: Missoni as a business was founded in 1953, when Ottavio and Rosita Missoni set up a small knitwear workshop in Gallarate, Italy. They presented their first collection under the Missoni label in Milan in 1958. The business prospered, with the support of fashion editor Anna Piaggi, then at Arianna magazine. Rosita met the 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 remove their bras, supposedly because they were the wrong colour, and showed through the thin lame’ blouses. The material became transparent under the lights and caused a sensation. The Missonis were not invited back the following year, but the business grew; a new factory in Sumirago was built in 1969. Missoni designs were championed in the US by Diana Vreeland, editor of American Vogue magazine, and a Missoni boutique was opened in Bloomingdales.

Missoni reached the peak of its influence in the fashion world in the early 1970s (though has since been the subject of revivals in interest as new generations of fashion writers discovered the appeal of its core knitwear). Tai Missoni then became more interested in other projects, designing costumes for La Scala, carpets and tapestries.

Rosita Missoni lost interest in fashion in the 1990s and was succeeded by her daughter Angela in 1998 while Rosita took over Missoni Home. Missoni Home has its roots in furnishing fabrics produced in 1981 in collaboration with Rosita's family firm. Rosita Missoni brought her influences from the fashion world producing a striking and elegant collection which included soft furnishings covered in their iconic Missoni fabrics as well as other items such as tables, mirrors, coffee tables, often incorporating materials like quartz and amethyst. Although Missoni Home are still producing items to this day, these early pieces from Rosita Missoni’s range are rare to find and only produced in limited numbers. They feel as contemporary today as they were when they were first produced 40 years ago and a fantastic way to uplift any interior.

CONDITION

In Good Condition - small dings and scrapes but barely noticeable.

SIZE

Height: 83cm
Width: 64cm
Depth: 9cm
Mirror diameter: 38cm