The story of Moschino and Moschino Couture 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 Couture bags, shirts, pants, jackets and other clothing on 1stDibs.
Vintage 1989 MOSCHINO Dinner Cutlery Pendant Necklace
By Moschino Couture
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage 1989 MOSCHINO Dinner Cutlery Pendant Necklace Features: -100% Authentic MOSCHINO dating 1989 collection. - Massive spoon, knife and fork pendants on a chain necklace. - Gold...
MOSCHINO Shopping Bag Charm Novelty Necklace Resort 2016 Runway
By Moschino Couture
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
MOSCHINO Shopping Bag Charm Novelty Necklace Resort 2016 Runway Measurements: Height Drop: 2.36 inches (6 cm) Bags: 1.57 inches X 1.18 inches (4...
AW15 Moschino Jeremy Scott Teddy Bear Ready 2 Bear Clip on Earrings Black Metal
By Moschino Couture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
AW15 Moschino Jeremy Scott Teddy Bear Ready 2 Bear Clip on Earrings Black Metal Additional Information: Material: Metal Color: Black/Gold Pattern: Teddy...
Vintage MOSCHINO Golden Abanico Fan Pendant Novelty Necklace
By Moschino Couture
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage MOSCHINO Golden Abanico Fan Pendant Novelty Necklace Measurements: Fan Height: 7.87 inches (20 cm) Wearable Length: 41.73 inches (106 cm) Features: - 100% Authentic MOSCHIN...
Diamonds Multicolored Sapphires Amethyst White, Light-Pink Pearls Necklace
Located in Marcianise, CE
Incredible white and light-pink pearls (8/9 mm X 10/11 mm) necklace that has white gold washer studded by bright diamonds and with a simple closure in 14K rose gold. The necklace has...
Amethyst, Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sapphire, 14k...
$5,684
H 0.62 in W 0.57 in D 0.37 in L 16 in
Alex Jona White Diamond Pavé Pebble 18 Karat Rose Gold Pendant Necklace
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat rose gold, diamond pavé pebble pendant necklace, set with 96 white diamonds weighing 2.03 ...
White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Genuine & Natural Plain Emerald Beads Necklace and Indian Kundan Enamel Pendant
Located in New York, NY
A Genuine & Natural Plain Emerald Beads Necklace with an Indian Kundan Enamel Pendant. The emerald beads are 5 to 6MM. The clasp is 14K Yellow Gold. Tota...
Emerald, 18k Gold, Enamel
Judith Ripka Lava Cameo Gold Earrings
By Judith Ripka
Located in New York, NY
Pair of 18k yellow gold earrings by Judith Ripka, set with lava cameos, depicting a nymph silhouette. Earrings have hooks to attach drops. Measure 7/8" in diameter. Marked Judith Ri...
Gold
Ram's Head Gold Ear Clips
Located in New York, NY
Ram's head gold ear clips Hoops with ram's head at the end, 18 karat yellow gold, emerald stones for eyes; marked 750 Size: width 1.5 inches, length 1...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Gold Flower Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Pair of 18k gold flower earrings, with approx. 0.80ctw H/Si diamonds. Earrings measure 1.25" x 1 1/8". Weight - 22.4 grams.
Diamond, Gold
Hermès Birkin Amulette Collection 0.22 Cttw Diamond Necklace in Rose Gold
By Hermès
Located in Chicago, IL
Previously owned Hermès Birkin Amulette Collection pendant necklace. The necklace is 14.5"- 15.5" inches in length, made of 18K rose gold, and weighs 6.80 DWT (approx. 10.58 grams). ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$870
H 4.5 in W 1.75 in L 24.5 in
Ruby Moonstone with Glass Moser Chatelaine Heart Scent Bottle, La Vie En Rose
By Karen Sugarman Designs
Located in Colleyville, TX
When I first began collecting these lovely scent bottles, they were readily available and quite lovely. Fast forward thru the pandemic plus everyone figuring out this gorgeous format and they supply has simply dried up! Be that as it may, when I do find a lovely scent bottle that is reasonably priced, I do tend to snag it. The is the case with this Moser hand painted scent bottle in the shape of a pink heart. Although the stopper is now missing, it is not an unusual predicament to not find them in place on these scent bottles. When you realize how very tiny they are, that should easily explain how they might have been lost or damaged over the past hundreds of years. Since Viva Magenta is the Panatone 2023 color of the year, this dreamy necklace should easily fit into that category with its confectionary pink colors and sweet heart design. The necklace portion consists of pink oval moonstone gems that are hand-linked and feature a small puffy gold...
Moonstone, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, Gold, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
54.14 Carat Natural Red Ruby and Diamond 14 Karat Solid Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
54.14Ct Natural Red Ruby and Diamond 14K Solid Yellow Gold Necklace Amazing looking piece! Stamped: 14K Total Natural Oval Rubies Weight is Approx. 48.62 Carats Center Natural Ru...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Alex Jona Multi Coin 18 Karat Yellow Gold Long Chain Necklace
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat yellow gold long chain sautoir necklace. A multitude of gold coins in various sizes dangle from the 47.2in-120cm long, c...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Faceted Quartz Heart Pendant and Beaded Necklace in 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Milford, DE
An elegant removeable pendant necklace, featuring a faceted quartz heart pendant on a 14K yellow gold chain, accented with faceted smoky brown quartz...
Quartz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Jean Mahie High Karat Gold Earrings
By Jean Mahie
Located in New York, NY
Pair of 22k gold Jean Mahie earrings, measuring 1" in diameter. Hallmarked 22k and JM. Weight - 10.8 grams.
Gold
Mings Gold Carved Phoenix Clip on Earrings with Dangly Pearl in 14k
Located in Honolulu, HI
Earrings Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Total Weight: 8.8 Grams Pearl: Akoya Pearls Stamped: "Mings" "14K" Condition: Preowned 100% Authentic. Please ...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Multi Colored Gemstone Cross Necklace in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Necklace Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 10 Grams Chain Length: 18" Pendant Measurement: 1" x 0.80" Gemstones: 3 green peridot, 3 purple amethyst, 3 ...
Amethyst, Citrine, Garnet, Peridot, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Navajo Turquoise, Coral, Claw and Sterling Necklace
By Navajo
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
Genuine Navajo Sleeping Beauty turquoise, coral and bear claw pendant stamped "M.L." Includes Navajo hand made beaded silver chain. PERIOD: Third qu...
Coral, Turquoise, Sterling Silver
Moschino silver tone Crystal Swarovski Stones ring NWOT
By Moschino Couture
Located in Capri, IT
Moschino silver tone Crystal Swarovski Stones ring NWOT Totally made in Italy
Vintage MOSCHINO Jump Ring Novelty Snake Chain Tiered Necklace
By Moschino Couture
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage MOSCHINO Jump Ring Novelty Snake Chain Tiered Necklace Measurements: Height: 1.37 inches (3.5 cm) Wearable Length: 26.57 inches (104 cm) Features: - 100% Authentic MOSCHINO...
Moschino Couture Jeremy Scott Gold Black Metal Necklace Teddy Peace Smiley
By Moschino Couture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Moschino Couture Jeremy Scott Gold Black Metal Necklace Teddy Peace Smiley Additional Information: Material: Metal Color: Gold/Black Pattern: Smiley Face/Bag/Pumps/Pouch/Heart/Teddy...
Gold
SS19 Moschino Couture Jeremy Scott Logo W/ 'Shrubs on Metal Gate' Gold Earrings
By Moschino Couture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
SS19 Moschino Couture Jeremy Scott Logo W/ 'Shrubs on Metal Gate' Gold Earrings Additional Information: Material: Metal Color: Metallic Gold Material: Fibre/metal. Pattern: Logo wit...
Gold
Moschino charm necklace NWOT
By Moschino Couture
Located in Capri, IT
Gold galvanic necklace with cat, broom, pumpkin and witch's hat shaped charms. Chain necklace Hook closure Fabric : 100% Metal
Moschino broom clip-on earrings NWOT
By Moschino Couture
Located in Capri, IT
Gold-plated pendant earrings in the shape of a witch broom. Clip closure Fabric : 100% Metal
Moschino Charm necklace
By Moschino Couture
Located in Capri, IT
Gold galvanic necklace with cat, broom, pumpkin and witch's hat shaped charms. Chain necklace Hook closure Fabric : 100% Metal