MARGHERITA: Margherita Missoni Debuts Exclusive Kids Collection on yoox.com

Margherita
An Interview with Margherita Missoni

A Scion of the Missoni Family Launches a Kids' Brand

Margherita Missoni, granddaughter of the “king of knitwear” and a representative of Milanese fashion, has launched her own brand. Known also as a style icon, she has created children's clothing for girls aged from newborn to seven years old. We interviewed her, a woman who was born into the fashion world, grew up, and has now become a designer.

Text by Hiroko Ikegami (OPENERS)

—As a member of the Missoni family and a fashion socialite who has garnered attention from a young age, why have you decided to launch a kids' collection now?

Because I wanted to show my children, including my son Otto, a colorful world full of possibilities. Above all, having my first child gave me the push I needed to direct my career towards a kids' collection.

—You previously released a capsule collection for M Missoni, but this is your first time with children's clothing, isn't it?

The capsule collection, featuring M Missoni's signature zigzag pattern in a predominantly red palette, was launched four years ago exclusively on yoox.com. The following year, I also sold 70 vintage items from my personal wardrobe. Therefore, I decided to launch this debut collection exclusively on yoox.com as well. To allow people worldwide to see my collection, yoox.com, with its extensive global reach, is the strongest partner I could ask for.

—Your son played a significant role in your first kids' collection, didn't he?

My son is a great source of inspiration for me and the best life experience I could have wished for. Before he was born, I knew very little about what children needed. However, after Otto was born, my interest in children's clothing grew, and it ultimately became the field I would focus on.

—Has becoming a mother brought about any changes in you?

Yes. I've become more relaxed about myself and about everything I choose. I trust myself more than before, and I've come to feel that comfort is paramount.

—You are part of the esteemed Missoni family. How did your family react to this collection?

My grandparents used to tell my mother, 'Whether it's an organic chicken farm, establishing a kindergarten, or launching your own brand, Angela Missoni, do whatever makes you happy.' So, now that it's my turn, my mother is wholeheartedly supportive.

—Born into the heart of fashion and raised in a family of designers, you must have been immersed in fashion from childhood.

When I was a child, I used to go to my mother's office every day after school with my younger siblings. It was a paradise for children, filled with pencils, pens, fabrics, and beads. I would sketch, dress up in beautiful clothes, and express my creativity.

—Did your upbringing significantly influence your style?

Of course, my family has had a great influence on my personality and style, but my personal experiences have influenced me just as much. Style, taste, and aesthetic sense are generally shaped by everything around a person—what they see, hear, eat, touch, and smell. My entire life, including my happy childhood and student days, my marriage, and now motherhood, is related to my current style.

—Missoni is renowned for its knitwear, but this collection focuses on fabric, correct?

Yes. Fabric is a crucial element for babywear. It's important that babies feel comfortable and relaxed. I'm using many soft and comfortable materials, such as washed linen and soft jersey fabrics that have undergone washing or quilting.

—You are a designer, a mother, and a wife. What is the secret to your success?

Perhaps it's about being true to oneself by doing what you love, without falling into situations where you feel obligated or that something is irrelevant to you. Of course, I consider myself fortunate and am very grateful.