Sparkly, sexy and trendy touch of Miss Sixty has become one of the surest values in fashionable prêt-à-porter over the past 20 years. Many fashionistas just can’t get enough of these retro jeans and garments designed by co-founder Wichy Hassan…

2 men stand behind Miss Sixty:  Renato Rossi and Wichy Hassan. On is an entrepreneur and the other an artist fascinated with the 50’s and 60’s.

Wichy Hassan was born in Tripoli in 1955. He spent his childhood there until civil unrest broke out in 1966. His family then migrated to Rome. Young Wichy was attracted to the world of art but was not convinced he could ever live off it and decided to get a diploma in languages. This being said after finishing his studies he became a painter. Unfortunately his talent was not recognized and was accepted by his peers.

He then had to take a job as a salesman in a prêt-à-porter store in order to be able to fill up his fridge. In dealing with customers, he came to realize that their expectations in terms of fashion innovation were not fulfilled. He then had the idea to open a small store where he started selling very hype brands that were almost impossible to find.

This venture quickly became very successful. It enabled him to open a concept store named Energie in 1983, where he exhibited 80’s artwork and sold very specific clothing collections. This being said, being only partially satisfied with the product on sale, Wichy Hassan decided to design his own mini collection. It was mainly composed of Mexican crafts-inspired jeans.

The story could have ended here if Wichy hadn’t met Renato Rossi who offered to become his partner after seeing his sketches. Their combined creativity and business skills enabled Miss Sixty (founded in 1994) to conquer a large percentage of denim and hype prêt-à-porter markets.

At a time when all denim brands were focused on unisex products, Hassan wanted nothing more than to distinguish himself by designing purely feminine products, hence the ‘Miss’  in the brand name. As for the ‘Sixty’ part, it relates to the major creative inspiration he finds in the 60’s.

He found great visual ideas in that decade’s artwork from artists such as Andy Warhol or Keith Haring, but never ceased to also maintain a strong link with contemporary art. This art aficionado expresses his talent trough his collections.

Miss Sixty collections are and always have been focused on jeans which Hassan judges essential for any wardrobe, the point being to determine the ideal fabric and details that will forge the brand’s spirit. Once these are established, cuts will vary from one season to another without ever losing in quality.

Little by little Miss Sixty’s collection broadened. Wichy Hassan destined his designs to bohemian girls full of humour who don’t mind mixed styles producing a synthesis of vintage, personalized and must-have creations.

The First decade of the new millennia was an enormous success. The brand established itself in over 90 countries and became a direct competitor of Fashion giants such as Diesel and Replay. Miss Sixty has also sold off multiple franchises in perfumes, eyewear and jewels.

Last of all, even if Miss Sixty stores never run out of fashionized fringed adolescents, Wichy Hassan doesn’t mind claiming that Miss Sixty woman is no fashion victim. Quite the contrary, he imagines his muse as being impervious to fashion dictatorship, juggling with trends with the ability to consider it all in a humorous manner.