Ottavio Missoni, founder of the Italian fashion house, dies

Ottavio Missoni in his boutique in 1984. Photograph: Mondadori via Getty Images

Ottavio Missoni, the founding member of the Missoni fashion dynasty, has died aged 92. He set up the Italian fashion house in 1953 and quickly established its colourful geometric knits as the brand's trademark. A Missoni statement said he "passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family".

Ottavio, who represented Italy as a hurdler at the 1948 Olympic Games, started out by designing knitted tracksuits for athletes, which were then adopted by the Italian Olympic team. He began the Missoni brand with his wife Rosita. Starting with knitwear, Missoni is now a major force across men's and womenswear. The label had a turnover of ￡59m in 2012, boasts 40 stores around the world, and has even extended the brand to Missoni Hotels in Edinburgh and Kuwait.

Missoni has always been a brand with family at its heart. Three generations are now involved in the business, with Ottavio and Rosita's three children working for the brand. Their granddaughter Margherita, who designs accessories for Missoni, is also the label's ambassador. They have translated these family ties to something that appeals to consumers; photographer Juergen Teller has photographed the family for the ad campaigns since 2010.

Rosita and Ottavio Missoni in Milan. Photograph: Giuseppe Cacace/AFP/Getty Images

Ottavio's death is the second time the Missoni family has hit the headlines this year. In January, it emerged that Vittorio, Ottavio's eldest son, was missing, along with his wife, after a plane they were travelling on disappeared over the coast of Venuzuela. As yet, the couple is still missing, presumed dead. Ottavio is survived by his wife Rosita, his two other children, Luca and Angela, and grandchildren.

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