Angela Missoni was Zooming from her office in Sumirago, where the view outside the windows was of a hazy, wintry landscape in every imaginable shade of gray—surely many more than 50: “Nature has alway been part of our lives and of who we are as a family,” she said. That has translated creatively into the brand’s textural combinations and pictorial sense of color. The label’s intricate patterns give off a sort of organic vibration, similar to that of naturalistic tableaux.
The tonal palette of the men’s collection seemed inspired by nostalgia for spending time in the country and for the immersive sense of protection nature can provide. “In this particular moment we crave to be comforted and cuddled,” said Angela. “So I wanted to give the collection the most tactile of finishes. If we can’t be hugged by another human being, at least let’s get ourselves hugged by the softest, most stroke-able sweater ever.”
Missoni’s inventive knitwear techniques made every piece feel as smooth and silky as cashmere. Lambswool was boiled and “crushed” to break the fibers and make them more pliable; textures were kept looser and less compact for a malleable feel; mixes of viscose, techno wool, and mohair were treated to achieve extreme plasticity.
The classic Missoni patterns—chevrons, intarsias, zigzags—were reworked into new tonal-colored incarnations. Soft-tailored, functional outerwear pieces with a casual feel—quilted knitted piuminos, utilitarian cabans, oversized shirts, and reversible bombers padded with recycled nylon—were often made from archival Missoni stock yarns, given new life with experimental finishes. “Our strength is versatility,” said Angela. “We don’t follow trends; our style adjusts naturally to the evolution of fashion. It’s attuned to the times. For us, comfort is rooted in our way of life, as a family and as designers—it certainly isn’t something we’ve discovered today.”
