Earning Her Stripes

The great Milanese fashion house Missoni, known for its vibrant colors and knits and favored by elegant bohemians the world over, is perhaps paradigmatic of the modern boho lifestyle. In reviewing the label's SS10 collection, the LA Times said it brought to mind Julia Chaplin’s book, Gypset Chic, and the “global nomads like Jade Jagger and Devendra Banhart” profiled therein. According to Chaplin, “Missoni is very Gypset. I think if you are from a fashion dynasty like Angela Missoni is, it is actually much harder to be cool. It’s harder to reduce the excess into something that is soulful and creative. If you can do it, it’s very beautiful when it comes out. Angela Missoni is really cool.” Angela’s daughter, Margherita Missoni, who represents the third generation of the Missoni clan, has now stepped beyond her role as brand ambassador (see her gypsetting in the label's Spring 2010 campaign shot by Juergen Teller), unveiling her first collection of accessories and handbags for the upcoming season. Inspired by her fabulous coterie of friends—including Eugenie Niarchos, Lauren Santo Domingo and Coco Brandolini—the handbags are bold with signature Missoni colors and zigzag patterns ($1275 to $3140; plus Missoni pom-poms for an additional $185). Working with references for the Missoni fall 2010 collection (African tribal patterns and Scottish tartans), Margherita chose smooth and shiny accents to act in contrast with the heavy knitted fabrics, linking her techno-tribal edge with mom’s Braveheart-bohemian vibe. On the catwalk models were fitted with thick woolen chokers fixed with a chrome clasp, sparkly metallic bangles and plastic frame Jackie-O sunglasses ($250). The jewels and accessories are modern to the point of futuristic, but oh so Missoni.