Design Date with Rosita Missoni
Rosita is one of Italy’s greatest designers and few have made such a mark on fashion and the home worldwide.
With husband Ottavio she founded Missoni in the 1950s, starting with their distinctive coloured textiles and building up a world-class brand in fashion and interiors before handing it on to the next generation – sons Vittorio and Luca, and daughter Angela – in 1997. Since then, Rosita has been focused on the MissoniHome collections.
She is in conversation with Michelle Ogundehin at the design lecture ‘A Colourful Life’ hosted by ELLE Decoration on Tuesday 25 September at 11.30am.
When did your fascination with colour begin? Why does it particularly appeal to you?
Since my childhood. My family factory produced dressing gowns, pyjamas and robes. It was an ‘Ali Baba’ cove for me – embroidered, colourful fabrics, hanks of space-dyed yarns, remnants, cut-outs of crêpe de chine with embroidered roses. Gardens were the other fascinating world for me.
Is there more of crossover between fashion and interiors than ever before?
Mixing patterns has always been the most intriguing game for me since a very young age. I loved to dress my ‘home’ with fabrics born for fashion or other purposes.
What has been the highlight of your career?
The Winter collection of 1970 called ‘Put Together’ in which we decided to mix all our experiences in knitting: stripes, checks, zigzags, jacquards, prints.
What is the most important aspect to consider when furnishing a hotel?
Comfort, appeal, identity.
Describe your perfect weekend?
A weekend at home. On Saturday morning, taking care of my plants and getting flowers, fresh vegetables and herbs from the garden. In Summer, it’s usually zucchini, tomatoes, egg plants, all kinds of cabbages and lots of salads.. 40 minutes swimming in the pool – getting dressed and then out for food shopping for the week. Lunch with friends and family followed by an afternoon rest or going to Milan visiting galleries, the hairdresser, manicure and shopping. Often dinner at home watching football with friends – the first half of the game watched during appetizers in the sitting room, the second half watching from the dinner table set. On Sunday, friends often come for lunch. No more than six guests enjoying the garden, the pool and friendly conversation.
‘Conversations in Design’ ticket information: £15
Booking Hotline 020 7352 1900 www.dcch.co.uk
