When it comes to powerful brand statements and instantly recognizable looks, Missoni is on top of the game. Those iconic patterns, the bold colors, the knits-the family!

Ottavio Missoni was born into it-in the town of Gallarate almost exactly 31 years ago (he just had a birthday on November 10). But of course, he earned those stripes and zigzags, too; at 23 he began an immersive journey into the world of textiles, knitting, fabrics and production, and from there: the whole world. Or, more specifically the United States. No one knows his family's business in America better than he does. He understands what women from Los Angeles to Washington D.C. are looking for, and he knows what makes them feel their most beautiful-which is why we had him curate a special selection of silhouettes from the resort collection.

And while we had the chance, we got him to tell us a little more about his life and work.

Missoni: Having direct contact with customers is what I love best as it represents our heritage: the DNA of the family that has been part of our history for over 60 years. Our customers' needs vary depending on where they're from: East Coast, West Coast, north and south-what they purchase is often different. It's useful to get direct feedback from consumers so that in the next collections we can come out with a product that the customer wants to wear.

The brushstrokes mini-dress is not only one of my favorite pieces, but is also unquestionably one of the must-haves for next spring.

I'll be in New York starting November 29 for the sales campaign of the Resort collection for 2016. We can't wait to present it! It's a powerful and iconic collection that really reflects us. After that I'll be in Miami for Art Basel. Every year I do my best to participate, as I'm very passionate about the relationship between art and fashion.

For Christmas I'm planning a ten-day trip, probably to South Africa, to get away from the work routine and start the new year fresh and ready for the F/W 2016 fashion show.