Gallarate is located not far from Milan and is from where Ottavio and Rosita Missoni established their famous company in 1953. Their origins parallel the birth of Bonaveri at a time when ‘Made in Italy’ was in it’s infancy.
The exhibition at the newly reopened MA*GA museum is intended to showcase the art and creative aesthetic of the Missoni brand. Missoni’s original ethos to ‘link their creative effort to art’ is evident as their unique bold geometry and pattern is presented alongside artworks by Wassily Kandinsky, Paul Klee and Sonia Delaunay. Tapestries by the late Ottavio Missoni are on display and and show the origins of the brands iconic patterning. 100 garments from the Missoni Archive are presented in a unique arrangement of 100 mannequins – again reflecting their unique approach to geometry.
Luca Missoni approached Bonaveri in January 2015 to discuss the way in which 100 of their archive garments should be presented. Without doubt, the obvious choice was to use the iconic Schläppi 2200 mannequins – all in the same stance – to showcase the collection. Arranged in a triangular tier and dressed by Agelo Figus, the display of 100 mannequins cleverly shows off each garment giving it the full attention it deserves. The singular pose of each Schläppi 2200 mannequin is adorned and placed in a specific colour arrangement reinforcing the idea of ‘pattern’ prevalent in every Missoni design.
The use of the Schläppi 2200 mannequins complements the time in which the Missoni brand was born. Developed in the 1950s and 1960s, the Swiss Schlappi collection was purchased by the Bonaveri company in 2000, and reflects an age that characterises the Missoni creative ethos. Bonaveri continue to develop the Schlappi brand having recently introduced the Aloof Collection.
Missoni, L’Arte, Il Colore is on until the 8th of November 2015.
Gallery Foundation of Modern and Contemporary Art ‘Silvio Zanella’
Via De Magri, 1 · T 0331706011
Hours: Tuesday – Wednesday – Friday 11:00 to 18:30
Thursday 11.00 – 21.00 Saturday – Sunday 11:00 to 19:30
Closed on Monday
FREE ENTRANCE
