One name that all vintage experts agree is synonymous with camp is Franco Moschino. By the time he launched a diffusion line called Moschino Cheap and Chic, the late designer had already spent several years shocking and titillating the fashion elite with his whimsical, irreverent parodies of bourgeois finery.
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 Moschino Cheap and Chic day dresses, skirts, pants and other clothing on 1stDibs.
Moschino Photo Print Velvet Dress
By Moschino, Moschino Cheap and Chic
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous velvet dress by Moschino in an elaborate print of words and photos in beige, brown, and black. The print is amazingly detailed with photo prints...
Moschino Vintage Black Cut Out Bow Tie Mini Dress, 1990s
By Moschino Cheap and Chic, Moschino
Located in Sparks, NV
Darling vintage Moschino mini dress with a cut out bow tie detail. Sleeveless sleeves and mini length. Details: Unlined Rear Zip Closure Marked Size: Unmarked Estimated Size...
Moschino Letter Applique Skirt Suit
By Moschino, Moschino Cheap and Chic
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous skirt suit from Moschino in black and white. The blazer style jacket is semi fitted with rounded lapels and closing with 3 self covered ...
1990s Iconic Moschino Cheap & Chic pop art dress in size 44
By Moschino Cheap and Chic
Located in Capri, IT
Iconic vintage Moschino dress with a vibrant pop art design which features numbers, polka dots, stripes, a heart, black cats and horseshoe design. Details: Fully Lined Back Zip Clo...
Moschino 'Anni Di Kaos' Iconic Print Velvet Dress, c. 1997
By Moschino Cheap and Chic
Located in LAGNY-SUR-MARNE, FR
Moschino Fashion History 'Anni Di Kaos' Iconic Print Velvet Shift Dress, c. 1997 Rare vintage 1990s Moschino Cheap&Chic dress. In a black velvet with an amazing print of fashion his...
Vintage Moschino Cheap and Chic 1990s Women's Cotton Dress with Quotes
By Moschino Cheap and Chic
Located in LAGNY-SUR-MARNE, FR
Rare vintage 1990s Moschino Cheap&Chic dress. In a white cotton with an amazing print of inspirational quotes and poetry. Sizes: IT 42 FR 38 US 8 UK 10 Marked FR 38 but runs t...
Moschino 1980s Cheap & Chic Black Velour Not Just A Pretty Dress with Gold Studs
By Moschino Cheap and Chic, Moschino
Located in San Francisco, CA
Vintage late 80s Moschino Cheap & Chic black long sleeved velour dress with round gold flat studs reading Not Just a Pretty Dress in large print at front....
Moschino Color Block Rainbow Dress
By Moschino Cheap and Chic, Moschino
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous colorful dress with a bit of stretch from Moschino. It is is sleeveless with a crew neck and incredible brightly colored shapes each individually sewn together comprising...
Moschino Pearl Collar Dress
By Moschino Cheap and Chic, Moschino
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous fitted little black jersey dress from Moschino. It has cut in shoulders and a large pearl necklace collar. It is fully lined, has a ...
MOSCHINO Cheap & Chic Antique Newspaper print 1990s Off white velvet shift dress
By Moschino Cheap and Chic, Franco Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
Beautiful Antique Newspaper print shift dress by Moschino Cheap & Chic, Circa Mid 1990's. Concealed zip up back. Fully lined. Classic Shift Dress shape. Pit to Pit; 18.5” Nape ...
Las Vegas MOSCHINO Cheap & Chic Roulette Darts Print 1990s Mini shift Dress
By Moschino Cheap and Chic, Franco Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
Las Vegas MOSCHINO Cheap & Chic Roulette Darts Print 1990s Mini shift Dress A Loud franco Moschino ‘Cheap & Chic’ roulette print mini dress in off white, yellow and red tones. MADE ...
Moschino New Dress with Petal Skirt
By Moschino Cheap and Chic, Moschino
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous light weight red wool dress from Moschino. It has a V neckline, scoop back and an A line skirt completely adorned in rows of overlapping individual fabric petals. It is f...
Moschino Color Block Skirt Suit
By Moschino, Moschino Cheap and Chic
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous red light weight wool skirt suit from Moschino. The hip length jacket closes off center with 5 pearl buttons and 2 pockets on one side above one another with the words 'Le...
Moschino Cheap & Chic 1990s Black Size 6 Chiffon Paillettes Sequin Vintage Dress
By Moschino, Moschino Cheap and Chic
Located in San Diego, CA
Super stylish never worn late 1990s / 90s MOSCHINO Cheap and Chic black silk chiffon dress! This beauty is embellshed with thousands of hand-sewn black iridescent paillettes in a var...
Moschino Cheap & Chic 2000s Size 10 No Bones About It Black White Skeleton Dress
By Moschino, Moschino Cheap and Chic
Located in San Diego, CA
Amazing MOSCHINO Cheap and Chic early 2000s black and white novelty skeleton print dress ! Easy shift silhouette looks great on any shape. Soft lightweight rayon fabric that is fully...
"Eiffel Tower " dress with short sleeve MOSCHINO CHEAP & CHIC
By Moschino Cheap and Chic
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
"Eiffel Tower " dress with short sleeve . Main fabric composition: 79% acetate, 21% rayon. Lining composition: acetate or rayon. Zip closure on the middle back. SIZE 42 (It) 38 (Fr) M
Moschino Color Block Dress
By Moschino Cheap and Chic, Moschino
Located in Water Mill, NY
A great black and off white dress from Moschino. The sleeveless semi fitted dress has an off white peter pan collar and large front patch pockets wit...
1990s Moschino Cheap & Chic Avant Garde Vintage 90s Little Black Dress
By Moschino Cheap and Chic, Moschino
Located in San Diego, CA
Classic, with an edge 1990s MOSCHINO CHEAP AND CHIC little black dress! Features a fitted tailored bodice with black rosettes and appliqués on left waist. Flirty skirt can accomodate...
2000s Moschino Cheap & Chic Black and White Size 6 8 Hand Painted Vintage Dress
By Moschino Cheap and Chic, Moschino
Located in San Diego, CA
Amazing vintage early 2000s MOSCHINO CHEAP & CHIC black and white hand painted short sleeve y2k dress! Features flattering white handpainted white stripes ar...
1990s Moschino Cheap & Chic Size 4 Khaki Beige Flower Print Vintage 90s Dress
By Moschino, Moschino Cheap and Chic
Located in San Diego, CA
Adorable 1990s MOSCHINO CHEAP & CHIC khaki / beige sleeveless babydoll dress! Features embroidered flowers throughout, with a chic bow detail at upper waist. Hidden zipper up the sid...
1990’s Moschino Cheap & Chic Red White Green Striped Cotton Tea - Sun Dress
By Franco Moschino, Moschino Cheap and Chic
Located in Sheffield, GB
A Sweet 1990’s MOSCHINO Cheap and Chic Tea dress in striped cotton in greens, whites and reds, featuring a sweetheart collar line, fitted waist and knee length hem. The dressed close...
NWT 1990s Moschino Cheap and Chic Size 8 Coral Pink Silk Vintage 90s Dress New
By Moschino, Moschino Cheap and Chic
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful brand new (with tags) MOSCHINO Cheap & Chic 1990s Grecian silk dress! Flattering drapery on both the bodice and skirt. Ruched detail at waist. Flattering draped neck. Hidde...
Rare Vintage Moschino Cheap & Chic Popeye the Sailor Man & Olive Oyl 1990s Dress
By Moschino, Moschino Cheap and Chic
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredible and rare vintage MOSCHINO CHEAP & CHIC Popeye the Sailor Man and Olive Oyl 90s boho novelty silk midi dress! Features Popeye and Olive...
Vintage Moschino Cheap & Chic 1990s Orange + White Gingham Bodycon 90s Dress
By Moschino, Moschino Cheap and Chic
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy vintage 90s MOSCHINO CHEAP AND CHIC orange and white gingham asymmetrical bodcon dress! Features a vibrant orange, mixed with white. Short sleeves features perforated cut-outs o...
Vintage Moschino Multi Colour Runway Crepe Dress
By Moschino Cheap and Chic, Moschino
Located in London, GB
A vintage runway collection dress by Moschino , Cheap and Chic. The dress has a v neckline, front and back , with a side zip and is fully lined. The pleated skirt is in green, oran...
Moschino Ruffle Front Dress
By Moschino, Moschino Cheap and Chic
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous tan pink colored dress from Moschino. It has a V neck surrounded by matching zipper edged ruffles extending down the center front of the dress. It has side seam pockets,...
Sleeveless fushia silk cocktail dress MOSCHINO CHEAP & CHIC
By Moschino Cheap and Chic
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Sleeveless fushia silk cocktail dress. Invisible zip closure on the left side. Polyester lining. SIZE 40 (It) 36 (Fr) S
White sleeveless dress in cotton Piqué MOSCHINO Cheap & Chic
By Moschino Cheap and Chic
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
White sleeveless dress in cotton Piqué . Cotton lining. Pocket on both side. Invisible zip closure on the middle back. SIZE 44 (It) 40 (Fr) M/L
2000’s Moschino Cheap & Chic Long Black Maxi Dress with waist Cut out
By Moschino Cheap and Chic, Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
An early 2000’s Moschino ‘Cheap & Chic’ Label maxi dress. In full black, featuring a simple silhouette, rounded collar line with cut-out details at the collar and waist, that can...
Beige sleeveless cotton dress MOSCHINO CHEAP & CHIC
By Moschino Cheap and Chic
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Beige sleeveless cotton dress. No fabric composition tag but the lining is probably in rayon. Invisible zip and hook&eye closure on the left side. Draped on the bust and on the wais...
Moschino Cheap & Cheap Vintage 90s Iconic Peace Sign Cut Out Flirty Black Dress
By Moschino, Moschino Cheap and Chic
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredible, rare and super iconic vintage 1990s MOSCHINO CHEAP & CHIC little black dress, with chic peace sign cut-out at the back! Flirty Babydoll fit that flatters many shapes and ...
MOSCHINO Vintage Crochet Knit Black Midi Dress 1990s
By Moschino Cheap and Chic
Located in Genève, CH
Discover timeless elegance with this vintage Moschino crochet knit black midi dress from the 1990s. Featuring intricate floral mesh embroidery, this ...
Moschino Color Block Silk and Lace Dress
By Moschino Cheap and Chic, Moschino
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black and red silk slip dress from Moschino. It is semi fitted with spaghetti straps and a large appliqued panel of sheer black flower patter...
Moschino Cheap and Chic black sheath dress
By Moschino Cheap and Chic
Located in NEWARK, GB
A gorgeous vintage c2000s Moschino Cheap and Chic sheath dress. It has a simple sheath silhouette with stitch detailing to the body and bust, this gives the dress an interesting twi...
Vintage Moschino Cheap & Chic 90s Does 60s Black Velvet Plastic Mod Mini Dress
By Moschino, Moschino Cheap and Chic
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredible iconic 1990s does 1960s MOSCHINO Cheap and Chic black velvet and clear and black vinyl mini shift dress! Features hundreds of clear and black plastic pailette sequins in h...
1990's Franco Moschino CHEAP & CHIC Watermelon Fruit little Black Dress
By Moschino Cheap and Chic, Franco Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
A Brilliant early nineties Franco Moschino little black dress from the iconic Cheap & Chic line with a Watermelon collar detailing ! MADE IN ITALY. Franco Moschino is known for his...
Black wool jersey cocktail dress with embroideries Moschino Cheap and Chic
By Moschino Cheap and Chic
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black wool jersey cocktail dress with " question mark" embroideries ( sequin, beads, safety-pin, pearls and rhinestone) Lining: 60% acetate, 40% rayon SIZE 38 (Fr) 8(Us)
Moschino Pink Dress with Animal Button Detail
By Moschino Cheap and Chic, Moschino
Located in London, GB
A pretty pink shift dress by Moschino , Cheap and Chic. In a pink cotton mix fabric the dress has animal print detail around the neckline , and central back zip and is fully lined. ...
1990's CHEAP AND CHIC by MOSCHINO black bustier minidress
By Moschino Cheap and Chic, Moschino
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Jet black bustier mini dress from MOSCHINO CHEAP & CHIC dating to the 1990's. Narrow adjustable straps and bow at waistline. Labeled an Italian 42 however this dress best Fits an Ita...
Vintage 1992 MOSCHINO Stockman Dressmaker Dummy Drape Dress
By Moschino Cheap and Chic, Moschino
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage 1992 MOSCHINO Stockman Dressmaker Dummy Drape Dress Measurements taken laid flat, double bust, waist and hips: Shoulder: 13.77 inches (35 cm) Sleeve: 8.26 inches (21 cm) Bust: 17 inches (43 cm) Waist: 14.17 inches (36 cm) Hips: 18.11 inches (46 cm) Dress Length: 35.03 inches (89 cm) Total Length: 53.93 inches (137 cm) Same dress at THE MET Museum. Features: - 100% Authentic MOSCHINO Couture. - Beige dress inspired by "Stockman's Dressmaker Dummy", unfinished style. - Black draped fabric on the waist. - One side is with sleeve and the other side is sleeveless. - Embroidered MOSCHINO 1996...
Black cocktail dress with "eye and lips" appliqué MOSCHINO Cheap and Chic
By Moschino Cheap and Chic
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black short sleeve cocktail dress with "eye and lips" ( made of sequin, plastic and wool bouclette) appliqué. No fabric composition tag but the shell is probably wool jersey and the ...
Vintage MOSCHINO "Let's Twist Again!" Monochrome Dress
By Moschino Cheap and Chic, Moschino
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage MOSCHINO "Let's Twist Again!" Monochrome Dress Measurements taken laid flat, please double bust, waist and hips: Shoulder: 13.77 inches (35 cm) Bu...
Moschino Dress with Letter Pattern
By Moschino, Moschino Cheap and Chic
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous semi sheer black dress lined in orange with a letter pattern from Moschino. It is a sleeveless semi fitted A line dress with a scoop neckline. The dress is lined in ora...
Moschino Cheap and Chic 1990s vintage denim dress
By Moschino Cheap and Chic
Located in Genova, IT
Moschino Cheap and Chic denim dress ABOUT Moschino "flame" dress in lightly stretch denim denim. The dress has an unmistakable, one-shoulder design with a jagged hemline and gold z...
1990s Moschino Cheap and Chic Animal Print Chiffon Silk Mini Dress
By Moschino Cheap and Chic
Located in London, GB
1990s Moschino Cheap and Chic Snake print Silk Mini Dress, Silk Chiffon, High Waisted, draped, neutral grey, snakeskin print dress, side zip, adjustable straps Size: 40IT - 8UK - 0...
Raspberry cocktail dress with bow Moschino Cheap & Chic
By Moschino Cheap and Chic
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Raspberry cocktail dress with bow. Zip on the left side. Size 8 US
1990's Moschino Cheap & Chic "Not Just A Pretty Dress" Velvet Studded Dress
By Moschino Cheap and Chic
Located in Concord, NC
Moschino Cheap and Chic 1990's black velvet form fitting dress with a whimsical quote studded on the front stating "Not Just A Pretty Dre...
1990's MOSCHINO CHEAP and CHIC brocade dress
By Moschino, Moschino Cheap and Chic
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Black brocade dress with green satin floral detail by Moschino cheap and chic dating to the 1990's. Italian size 44. Approximate measurements: bust...
Vintage MOSCHINO Cheap and Chic Kiss Lock Purse Pocket Velvet Dress
By Moschino, Moschino Cheap and Chic
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage MOSCHINO Cheap and Chic Kiss Lock Purse Pocket Velvet Dress Measurements taken laid flat, please double bust and waist: Bust: 17.71 inches (4...
Vintage MOSCHINO CHEAP and CHIC "Are You Feeling Dirty" Dress
By Moschino, Moschino Cheap and Chic
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage MOSCHINO CHEAP and CHIC "Are You Feeling Dirty" Dress Measurements taken laid flat, please double bust, waist and hips: Bust: 17.32 inches (40 cm) not stretched Waist: 14.96 inches (36 cm) not stretched Hips: 17.32 inches (41 cm) not stretched Length: 57 inches (104 cm) Features: - 100% Authentic MOSCHINO Cheap and Chic. - Halter neckline with opening at the back. - Print of a lady with apron stating "Maid in Italy" and jeweled shoes...
Vintage MOSCHINO Silhouette Profile Stitches Bodycon Dress
By Moschino, Moschino Cheap and Chic
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage MOSCHINO Silhouette Profile Stitches Bodycon Dress Measurements taken laid flat: Shoulder: 16.53 inches (42 cm) Sleeves: 19.68 inches (50 cm) Bust: 18.11 inches (46 cm) Wais...