Italian fashion house founder Rosita Missoni dies aged 93

Rosita Missoni has died aged 93 (Luca Bruno/AP)

Rosita Missoni, the matriarch of the Italian fashion house that turned colourful zigzag-patterned knitwear into high fashion, has died aged 93.

Missoni SpA confirmed the death and planned a statement along with the family later, said Alberto Gualeni, an international spokesperson for the company in Milan.