The search is continuing for missing Vittorio Missoni.

A plane carrying the joint head of the Missoni fashion empire and his wife Maurizia Castiglioni - as well as another couple and two crew members - disappeared off the coast of Venezuela on Friday (04.01.13), and rescuers have yet to make any discoveries.

The company's spokesperson Maddalena Aspes said on saturday (05.01.13): ''The Missoni family has been informed by the Venezuelan consulate that Vittorio Missoni and his wife are missing, but we don't know any more. The authorities will resume their search for the plane in the morning.

''We are relying on the work of the Farnesina [Italy's Ministry of Foreign Affairs] and all the institutions involved, to whom we are grateful for the prompt activities in the research. As more information becomes available, the company will issue further statements.''

The plane took off from Los Rosques with Maiquetia as its destination but went off the radar after just 10 nautical miles.

Vittorio, 58, is the son of Ottavio and Rosita Missoni - the founders of the family-owned fashion house - and co-owns Missoni with his siblings Luca and Angela.

Vittorio has been actively involved in the family business since the 80s, playing an instrumental role in the global expansion of the brand, which is designed by his sister Angela.