MILAN – Angela Missoni, heir to the famed knitting needle Missoni family, knows that a cozy woolen item gives both warmth and comfort.

So it was not surprising that in these difficult times her show Thursday in Milan for the fall-winter 2009-2010 was all about knit scarves in every shape and size.

At Missoni the age-old accessory became the collection’s leitmotif, whether draped around the neck like a shawl, wrapped like a hood around the head, or sometimes so long it brushed the ankle.

Sometimes worn in multiple versions in the same outfit, the scarf often hid the clothes underneath, mainly made up of lame dresses and silk tights.

For a more extravagant look, Missoni interspersed her knitwear with tufts of fur for headbands and cozy bags, as well as scarves.

Daughter of her knitting-needle parents Tai and Rosita Missoni, the designer knew not to miss a stitch. A good scarf will always sell.