Three Generations of Missoni Women Make Fashion History in San Francisco

May 7 and 8 were extraordinary days for fashion in San Francisco as three generations of Missoni women – Rosita, Angela and Margherita – were honored by San Francisco’s Academy of Art University.

The iconic Italian fashion house known for its colorful knitwear has been a family affair since its inception in 1953. Margherita, the brand’s Ambassador who was fresh off the heels of the the MET Gala in New York City, along with her mother and Creative Director Angela, and her grandmother and Co-founder, Rosita, have worked closely to expand the brand’s scope beyond fashion into non-knit items, accessories and home ware.

The women spoke at a fashion symposium on the morning of May 7 before attending a luncheon held in their honor. At the luncheon, Academy of Art President Eliza Stephens announced the Honorary Doctorate to Angela and Margherita [Rosita Missoni had already received her degree back in 1998, with her late husband,Ottavio], and also presented a proclamation declaring May 7, 2014, “Missoni Day in San Francisco” on behalf of the Mayor’s Office of San Francisco.  

Following the luncheon, Angela told Haute Living of the proclamation and of the honorary Doctorate, “I never even received a high school degree and now I’m getting a Doctorate!”

Also at the luncheon were Gladys Perint Palmer, renowned fashion illustrator and Executive Director of the School of Fashion, gifted Suzy Menkes, International Vogue Editor of Condé Nast, Rosita, Angela and Margherita with illustrations from her archives to mark the occasion.

The following evening, the annual Academy of Art University Graduation Fashion Show and Awards Ceremony showcased student work for Rosita Angela and Margherita Missoni. Student designers’ dreams were realized as they saw their collections walk the runway.

In attendance were representatives from Abercrombie & Fitch, BCBGMAXAZARIAGROUP, Levi’s, Li & Fung USA, Old Navy, and Pottery Barn. “Part of our commitment to the designers is to help launch their careers and have their collections seen by as many industry professionals as possible,” said Dr. Elisa Stephens, President of Academy of Art University.

Like Haute Living San Francisco? Join our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter @HauteLivingSF. Want Haute Living San Francisco delivered to your inbox once a week? Sign up for our newsletter.