29 JULY 2020 for Vogue.co.uk

For the season finale of “Creative Conversations”, Rosita Missoni and her granddaughter, Margherita Maccapani Missoni Amos, talk about fashion – the Italian family way 

The Missoni family reflects the essence of Italy. Like a fashion tree of life, the company roots go back almost 70 years to when Rosita and Ottavio “Tai” Missoni met, married, and made knitwear both joyous and gorgeous. 

In this episode, the two archetypal Italian fashion figures talk about the fascinating story of their life in fashion. In true Italian style, the baton has been handed on from one generation to the next: Matriarch Rosita, on the edge of 90, shares memories about her early days of knitting an empire with husband Tai when they founded their company in 1953; that same passion was passed on to daughter Angela, the company’s creative leader for over two decades; and now granddaughter Margherita focuses on eco-friendly and socially responsible elements for M Missoni – future-thinking values that are as good a fit for our times as their famous, colourful, zigzag knitwear. 

Rosita Missoni (centre) with Margherita Maccapani Missoni Amos (left) and Suzy

Rosita and Margherita share family memories, from Rosita’s mushroom gathering to her children’s achievements; from the joy of family life to the sadness of her husband’s passing in the same year as their son Vittorio. At that same time came Margherita’s gift to Rosita of a great-grandchild.

The indomitable strength of family has encouraged the Missonis to survive and prosper, with all their joyful colours and textures knitted in – and freshly foraged mushrooms to stir into the fashion stew. 

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