In 1953, Ottavio and Rosita Missoni founded a fashion house based in Venice. Missoni’s designs are highlighted by the use of stripes, geometrics and abstract florals. The use of bold geometrics are also present in woven Navajo blankets, especially the zig zag. I wonder if the bold geometric designs of Navajo blankets influenced their designs? Or perhaps the visual art style of Art Deco, which first appeared in France during the 1920s.
During the 1970s, rectilinear symmetricality of the zig zag/chevron pattern defined Missoni knitwear, and at the same time Wrigley gum wrappers were folded and constructed to create individual chevron links to form a gum wrapper chain.
Actually, I went looking for gum wrappers in the vintage size pictured in the image on the right, and could not find them. I did find a site that uses wrapping paper instead. If you’re so inclined take a look at the following site. ttp://weefolkart.com/?q=node/308
This brings me to the reason for this post…I am attracted to the symmetricality and linear qualities of the Missoni-esque style and contemplate why? Perhaps it’s because I spent many hours folding gum wrappers. Today, I use yarn and knitting needles to make tangible my creative ideas.
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Sticks-a-GoGo 