The fashion world was rocked on Thursday when Italian designer, Ottavio Missoni, passed away. According to the Miami Herald, Missoni — who was the founder of the fashion dynasty known for its colorful, zig-zag patterns — passed away in Northern Italy at the age of 92.
A statement from Missoni SpA says that the patriarch “passed away serenely” in his home in Sumirago, which is also the headquarters for the fashion label.
This is the second sad event the Missoni family has had to deal with in past months. Earlier this year, Ottavio’s son Vittorio, who was the CEO of the company, disappeared with his wife while in a small plane vacationing in Venezuela. Vittorio and his wife, plus the four others on the plane, were never found and the cause for the disappearance is still unknown.
The senior Missoni founded his fashion label in 1953 alongside his wife Rosita Jelmini, who is still living. His daughter Angela acts as the company’s creative director and his second son, Luca, works in a technical role for the company.
Besides being known for his fashion empire, in his earlier years, Missoni was a renowned track and field star. He competed in the 1948 Olympics and specialized in running the 400-meter sprint and hurdle races.
While Missoni claimed that he fell into fashion by accident, his name lives on through the empire he and his family created. The company’s imperial designs have been seen on many of the world’s A-List celebrities, creating a style that’s no slave to seasons.
Missoni’s work in action:
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