Vittorio Missoni Lost in Flight Off Venezuela

A small plane carrying four Italian tourists, including the head of the Missoni fashion business, disappeared off the coast of Venezuela on Friday morning, prompting a sea and air search that continued Saturday.

Vittorio Missoni, 58, an owner of the family-run label famed for its zigzag knitwear, and his wife, Maurizia Castiglioni, were aboard the plane, which was missing after takeoff from the island resort of Los Roques, the company confirmed Saturday.


Founded in Gallarate, Lombardy during 1953 Missoni was well on its way to becoming one of the most demanded knitwear labels world-wide. Newlyweds Tai and Rosita Missoni opened a small knit-wear studio close to home, within a mere five years they were eager and ready to present their first collection showcasing the Missoni label. Only two years later (in 1960) Missoni had their first feature in a fashion magazine later leading to their first cover with Arianna Magazine, Elle and the infamous Women’s Wear Daily. By the mid 70’s Missoni created an exclusive fragrance line, the 80’s they had expanded into a sports line, 90’s they created a shoe line and by the millennium they tried their hand at interior design. During the 70’s the label had reached its culmination of notoriety. In 1998 they handed the brand over to their only daughter Angela who is still in charge to this day

Angela Missoni

Angela Missoni, Rosita Missoni, Ottavio Missoni, Vittorio Missoni, Luca Missoni

Ottavio Missoni, Vittorio Missoni, Giacomo Missoni, Marco Missoni

Rosita Missoni and Ottavio Missoni

Margherita Missoni, Ottavio Missoni

The Duchess of Cambridge, pictured with the Queen and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, is often seen in her blue Missoni coat

Margherita Missoni, Vittorio's niece, poses in an for her family's collaboration with Target