MISSONI

Missoni is placed strategically in the centre of London’s exclusive and sophisticated Bond Street. This prestigious and opulent location couldn’t be more fitting to the Italian brand. This printed paradise is spread over 3 floors and 300 square meters. The staff boasts that even though it’s much smaller than the Sloan Street branch, it has the same stock. As you approach the entrance, the shops security guard politely opens the door to greet you. Immediately after you are then welcomed by shop assistance whose eyes you can feel, as you wonder around the ground floor display, which creates a slight claustrophobic atmosphere.

The décor, although left fairly simple, you can see much thought has gone in to it. There is a frosted staircase at the back of the shop leading to the second floor, which acts as a centerpiece. Although the furniture looks expensive, everything is left clean and minimal; to make sure nothing can quite distract you from Missoni’s dazzling iconic prints.

Once you have arrived on the second floor you are overwhelmed by the intense variety of pastel prints from the Fall 2011 collection. Missoni’s signature colorful “boho chic” style is cut in the most luxurious fabrics, which hang beautifully despite the “boho” irony. Margherita Missoni describes the candy colored prints as a “fairy tale”, for when you looks at the garments hanging together on the rails, they almost look to good to touch. Artist Tiana Langdon’s rather naïve drawings printed on to loose fitting jumpsuits and dresses, also contributed to the fairytale dream. However what made the lilac feathery skirts and the soft mohair jumpers so desirable on the rail, was how it was teamed with a python skin biker boots and jackets. Which emphasized the softer more delicate clothes.

A coffee table and chairs were conveniently placed out side the fitting rooms, where the enthusiastic sales assistant lingered, offering drinks in attempt to get clients to stay longer. The gorgeous two-tone mohair and cashmere jumpers, which had a woven detail at the front, was priced at £1400; a Velvet and printed cocktail dress came to £1020. You wouldn’t expect many pieces under the £1000 mark in the store.

Floral crochet- knit sweater

Mohair and cashmere jumper

Printed woven and velvet cocktail dress

Python skin biker jacket

The Missoni brand has existed for over 50 years and is the fruit of the successful Tai and Rosita Missoni partnership. The couple started by making knits in the basement of their home, the business has now grown to be one of the most superior Italian fashion houses in the world. In the 1970’s the couple became more interested in other projects such as textiles and home furnishings. The fashion side of the business was handed down to their daughter Angela Missoni. Who has brought more contemporary influences to the brand. Missoni’s first stand-alone store in the UK arrived on Sloan Street in 2009, but since then has branched out across London.

Missoni’s successes recently haven’t just been focused on the clothes. Hotel Missoni is a relatively new development to the company, with its first boutique Hotels in Edinburgh and Kuwait. They expect to have 30 more hotels open or in development by 2012.

The Missoni brand is expanding all the time; they make the most of their well respected and prestigious global name. The Missoni name could go on nearly anything they desired.

Tiana Langdon's illustrations, on a loose fitting jumpsuit.