The Moschino story begins in the early 1980s, when Franco Moschino (1950–94), a freelance magazine illustrator and Gianni Versace collaborator, founded a label in Italy whose ethos was all about having fun.
Moschino initially pursued a degree in painting at Milan's Brera Academy of Fine Arts during the late 1960s, turning to freelance illustration to help pay his way through school. He found inspiration in Pop art, Dadaism and bold graphics. During the 1970s, he began to work for Gianni Versace’s now-legendary house as a sketcher and freelanced as a clothing designer with other fashion labels. In 1983, encouraged by Versace, he launched his own extravagant and excessive couture collection.
Moschino's expertly tailored, vibrant designs for casual wear and more, each adorned with loud, playful details, spoofed the chic high fashion of the day, and Franco's close relationship with fine art — as well as his eye for innovation — welcomed comparisons to Elsa Schiaparelli over the years. The label’s work essentially mocked the industry even as its hand fed Moschino, with the founder emblazoning shirts with slogans such as “Good taste doesn’t exist” or embroidering jackets with the phrase “Waist of money,” while the theatrical shows were positioned with an undercurrent of critique.
Today, the Metropolitan Museum of Art holds two vintage Moschino handbags in its collection: one shaped like a milk carton and the other an iron.
“Under all the surface witticisms, [Moschino] had a serious knack for running class pieces through a wringer of irony or Surrealism,” observed Vogue. “Chanel-isms were his favorite trope, though he also poked fun at Jean Paul Gaultier’s lingerie dressing and put out pasta bags in a parody of the Prada accessories craze.”
Accessories, jeans and the first men’s collection were presented at the Regal Palace in Milan in 1985, with his Moschino Jeans womenswear collection following in 1986. Then Moschino released Moschino for Women, its first fragrance, the next year in Europe.
In 1988, long before brands had considered the concept of a spin-off, Moschino bowed its cheeky diffusion line for men and women, Moschino Cheap and Chic, during the shows in Milan. The label thrived, adding its first stores in Italy and campaigning for eco-friendly fur. Its retrospective-slash-fashion show “X Years of Kaos” in the early 1990s benefited a children’s AIDS organization.
After Moschino’s untimely death at the age of 44 from AIDS complications, Rossella Jardini, his longtime friend and colleague, took the reins. She carried the torch for nearly 20 years, adding eyewear, watches and jewelry. American designer Jeremy Scott was named creative director in 2013.
Scott, who grew up on a farm and once unveiled a collection of evening dresses charred with burn marks, imbues all his work with a message of inclusion, be it his Fast Food collection in 2014 (hot dog dress included) or Moschino Barbie.
“I don’t care if the critics don’t like me,” Scott told Vogue. “I want to be the people’s designer, like Diana was the people’s princess.”
Find vintage Franco Moschino jackets, skirts, pants and other clothing on 1stDibs.
MOSCHINO Jeans Fun Grey Pouf Sleeve Denim Twisted Seam Mini Dress
By Franco Moschino, Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
MOSCHINO Jeans Fun Grey Denim Twisted Seam Mini Dress MADE IN ITALY A Fabulous 1990's Moschino denim dress, constructed using twisted seam panels,...
1980s Leather and Steel Iconic Belt by Franco Moschino
By Franco Moschino, Moschino
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This iconic 1980s belt by Franco Moschino is a definitive statement piece that captures the playful, rebellious spirit of the Italian designer's early years. Crafted from premium smooth black leather, the belt serves as a sophisticated foundation for its bold industrial hardware. The design features substantial steel elements that exemplify Moschino's signature "tongue-in-chic" aesthetic, blending high-fashion quality with an edgy, avant-garde sensibility. Often produced in collaboration with Redwall during this period, these vintage belts are renowned for their heavy-duty construction and architectural metalwork that challenges traditional luxury conventions. The strap is finished with a durable, lustrous surface that has aged beautifully, while the steel buckle and accents provide a cool, modern contrast to the deep leather tones. As a product of the era when Franco Moschino was actively redefining the runway with satire and pop-culture references, this accessory is more than just a functional item; it is a collectible piece of fashion history. The interior typically features authentic branding and "Made in Italy" stamps, testifying to the superior craftsmanship behind its irreverent style. This belt remains a highly sought-after find for collectors of vintage 80s couture...
1997 Runway Moschino Scissor Pattern Blue & Gold Velvet Suit Trousers
By Franco Moschino, Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
Iconic 1997 Runway, Vintage Moschino 'Cheap & Chic' velvet trousers, featuring Archival Moschino 'Scissor' print through out in a Sky Blue & Gold Colour way. MADE IN ITALY ! (We a...
1980s Franco Moschino Novelty CD and Tape Deck Reversible Jacket
By Franco Moschino
Located in London, GB
This is a rare, double-sided late 1980s novelty-print padded bomber jacket designed by the founder, Franco Moschino for Moschino Jeans. He established this range for women in 1986, ...
Moschino Wool 1990’s button down long sleeve spell out Shirt Shaket
By Franco Moschino, Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
Moschino Wool early 1990’s button down long sleeve spell out Shirt / Shaket. Archival Moschino print in Beige, Grey and red tones with repeat logo through out. Buttons down front B...
1990's Vintage Moschino Wildlife Animal Photo Print long sleeve Crazy Shirt
By Franco Moschino, Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
Superb, Vintage 1990's Moschino shirt ! MADE IN ITALY ! This rare Moschino Edition depicts various photographic images of wildlife across the World ! Features: Central line butto...
Ethereal Moschino y2k Shiny Blue Lame Metallic Cotton Jacket
By Franco Moschino, Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
Ethereal Vintage y2k Moschino Jeans shiny lamé jacket in a mermaid blue, metallic coated cotton fabric. Features: Moschino Jeans embossed buttons Classic x4 pocket design Long slee...
Rare 1990's Archival Moschino 'Opposites' Print Polo Shirt - Tee
By Franco Moschino, Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
Vintage 1990's Archival Moschino jeans 'Opposites' print Polo shirt, one of the most Iconic pieces from Franco Moschino's UK Garage reigning era. MADE IN ITALY ! Features: Button ...
Parakeet 1990's Green Spell out MOSCHINO high waisted Mom Jeans - Pants
By Franco Moschino, Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
Parakeet Coloured 1990's Green Spell out 'MOSCHINO' high waisted Jeans with lettering down the leg, classic 4 pocket design and zip button closure. MADE IN ITALY. Measurements are gi...
Archive Vintage Moschino Franco Pop Art Print Andy Warhol style Colourful Shirt
By Franco Moschino, Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
Superb Vintage 1990's Moschino shirt inspired by the works of Andy Warhol, crafted from linen in pastel coloured shades depicting the faces of Franco Moschino. MADE IN ITALY ! Featu...
1990's Moschino 'Off Key' Long Sleeve Fleece Top Sweater in Black and Grey
By Franco Moschino, Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
Vintage 1990's Iconic Moschino 'Off Key' fuzzy textured fleece top, in a grey & black colourway with repeat pattern through out. MADE IN ITALY Features: Button down collar Long, c...
1990's UK Garage Rave Moschino 'Reuse & Recycle' Puffer Jacket Coat
By Franco Moschino, Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
Epic, Uber Rare Vintage 1990's Moschino 'Reuse & Recycle' logo puffer jacket, in a satin-feel fabric with oversized fit. MADE IN ITALY ! Features: Zip & press stud central line fast...
1990's Vintage Moschino Sacred Heart Baroque Pattern Mini Skirt
By Franco Moschino, Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
Chic Vintage early 1990's Moschino 'Sacred Heart' pattern rococo style, high waisted mini skirt with repeated spell out print through out. MADE IN ITALY...
1990's Vintage Moschino Graffiti Pattern Knot Tie Crop Top style Shirt Blouse
By Franco Moschino, Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
Original Vintage 1990's Moschino knot tie fasten crop top, featuring Graffiti style pattern throughout, with references to Elvis Presley, Mickey Mouse, Superman & So on... MADE IN I...
UK Garage Rave Vintage Moschino Spell Out White & Black Trousers jeans
By Franco Moschino, Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
Iconic UK Garage Rave era Vintage Moschino 'Spell Out' Jeans in a Blue ombré colour way with repeat 'Moschino' pattern through out. MADE IN ITALY ! Feat...
Franco Moschino 1990s Vintage Women's Black Wool Cocktail Mini Dress
By Franco Moschino
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Moschino Cheap and Chic black cocktail mini dress with large front bow. Moschino 1990's black sleeveless little cocktail dress with front bow detail. Fea...