The creative director of Missoni, the Italian knitwear lable founded in 1953 by her parents Ottavio and Rosita, Angela Missoni is credited as the engineer of the label's reinvention as a major luxury goods brand since taking over as chief designer in 1996. A mother of three children, she lives in Milan.
If you could wake up anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would it be?
I would like to wake up wherever Bruno, my partner of 20 years, is. I am happy wherever he is and it is home wherever he is. But I actually love to wake up where I live. I have a view of the Alps from my bedroom and there's a mountain that turns totally pink at sunrise.
How would you arrive?
The shorter journey the better. I would arrive riding on a horse; an Italian stallion! You are sitting down to the perfect dinner. where are you, who is with you and What are you eating? I would be at a little place in Piazza di Cernobbio with the lake in front of it – outside of Como. It should be the middle of summer so that you can already eat outside. I'd eat penne all'arrabiata, penne pomodoro or spaghetti. These would be very special dishes because I've been dieting all my life! And I would, of course, be with Bruno.
If you built your own home, where would it be and what would it look like?
It's the one that I am building. It's Frank Lloyd Wright in architectural style with huge windows, and it's in the middle of some woods yet overlooking the mountains.
Are you a collector?
I'm a compulsive accumulator! I assemble "families of forgotten objects" that I find in flea markets. I do buy art, but collectors are professional and I do not have enough time to follow the fairs.
Do you have a go-to designer?
No.
Is there an item of clothing from your past you would find difficult to part with? if so why?
All those items that my mother made for me when I was a child and those that I kept for my children. But actually, all my clothes in general. Every piece has a meaning and is an inspiration for my work.
Which grooming product or treatment do you swear by?
A Vitamin C gel that I have been buying at the pharmacy for 20 years. If you were to invest in one piece of couture, where would it be from? Givenchy.
What was your first luxury purchase?
A pair of Maud Frizon shoes, bought at end of the 1970s.
What is your most treasured possession?
I don't treasure anything material, just love and friendship. Do you have an essential gadget or accessory? My earrings and necklaces, which I create myself.
In your opinion, who is the most influential designer of all time?
Coco Chanel.
What is the most overrated luxury?
Anything that we consider a luxury is overrated. We should always think of the effective value when buying something, deducting the cost of publicity and image. I go more for objects of real value.
Which new designers do we need to look out for?
Mary Katrantzou, she is vibrant and brave in showing prints and colours.
Do you have a favourite shop or shopping district?
Wherever there's a flea market.
