LONDON, ENGLAND.- The V&A will be staging a series of exclusive catwalk shows of designs by leading Italian fashion house Missoni this November. Missoni, which celebrates 50 years in the industry this year, will bring the vibrant colours of Italy to the V&A as creations from past and present are modelled against the magnificent backdrop of the Museum.

Throughout its five decades in the fashion world, Missoni has come to symbolise the essence of knitwear. Missoni artfully combines colour and texture in soft, comfortable ’put together’ shapes that create an unmistakable image. Their knitwear creations - from swimwear and handbags to trousers and dresses - are instantly recognisable by their distinctive rainbow stripes and zigzags. 

The Missoni fashion phenomenon began in 1953 when Rosita and Tai Missoni established a studio in a small town north of Milan. Within a short period, their exciting and colourful designs caught the imagination of the fashion world, and the Missoni name progressed from strength to strength. Today it is enjoying a spectacular renaissance as their children, Vittorio, Luca and Angela have taken up the reins of the business. Together, they share the same commitment to family, dedication to a craft and pride in a product.

Angela Missoni, the creative director of the womenswear collection has added a new dimension of youth and stylish innovation that has introduced a whole new generation to the excitement of Missoni. Luca is responsible for the design of the menswear collection and Vittorio is Marketing Director.

The Missoni Fashion in Motion is part of an Italian Evening, hosted by the V&A in collaboration with the Italian Trade Commission and the Italian Cultural Institute of London.