Missoni

Puerto Banus

Get set for an explosion of colours and textures at the magnificent new Missoni boutique, recently opened in Puerto Banús. The queen of hippie chic has finally arrived, says Louise Cook. Photography: courtesy of Missoni...

It is a long time since Tai and Rosita Missoni created a revolution in the fashion industry by making knitwear trendy back in the early 60s. Weaving a new vision of how clothes could be made and worn, the famous couple worked in wool, silk, cotton and rayon - in a rainbow of colours and shades that would characterise the Missoni brand throughout five decades to the present day.

Courted by giants of the fashion press, including the great Diana Vreeland of American Vogue, who declared the Missoni concepts as pure genius, the designs of the then modest label were catapulted into the glare of the worldwide fashion spotlight - and were an instant success.

Sea Breeze Style
Step into the bright and breezy chic port side boutique in Banús, and it is not difficult to see why the Missoni collections have evolved through the decades to be adored today by icons of stage and screen such as Madonna, Sharon Stone, Jennifer Lopez and Demi Moore - women who identify with the freedom and sensuality embodied in Missoni’s signature items: assymetrical saris, flowing dresses, waistcoats thrown over dresses, floating kaftans and shoes and bags that glisten like jewels.

Stripes, florals, bamboo and tropical prints in rich, sensual fabrics that are irresistable to touch share the shelves and racks with delicate bejewelled sandals, soft unstructured bags and uber cool, oversized 70s shades. The relaxed Missoni philosphy pervades every stitch of every garment and still true to the brand’s roots, the colour palette is plucked from nature, with the turquoise and blues of the Mar collection, along with the rich earth tones which inspired Rosita’s youth.

For the past fifty years, Missoni has grown and flourished organically, in the tradition of the Italian family business - and in recent years, Vittorio, Luca and Angela, the three talented offspring of the founders have contributed enormously to the success of the business. And with their golden anniversary behind them, Missoni is spreading its wings with Missoni hotels, Missoni fragrance and Missoni ceramics - and an ambitious plan to double the number of Missoni stores worldwide in the next five years.

Missoni, Muelle, Ribera, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 908 037