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Moschino

Italian

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 clothing on 1stDibs.

Average Sold Price
$637
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Details: Unlined Side Zip Closure Marked Size: US 4 Estimated Size: XS-S Color: Deep Navy Blue Fabric: 100% Silk Label: Moschino Couture/ Cruise Me Baby...
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Vintage Moschino Cheap & Chic 90s Chocolate Brown Jersey 1990s Sleeveless Top
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Perfect late 90s MOSCHINO Cheap and Chic chocolate brown sleeveless rayon jersey top! Features a flattering ruched bodice that stretches to fit. Simple slips over the head. Can easil...
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Moschino Moschino Cheap & Chic Abstract Print Mini Dress Size M
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CONDITION is Very good. Minimal wear to dress is evident. Minor pull to fabric on front of skirt on this used Moschino Cheap & Chic designer resale item. Details Multicolour Silk M...
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Moschino Black/Blue Suede and Fabric Bow Embellished Satchel
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You will love to carry this gorgeous Moschino creation wherever you go. Meticulously crafted from suede and fabric, this satchel has been styled with two handles, embellished details...
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Poncho-dress with multicolor flower print and black lace details LOVE MOSCHINO
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1990s Unknown Moschino

Black & Gold Moschino Couture Silk Button-Up Top Size IT 42
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Black and gold silk button-up top by Moschino Couture. Floral pattern throughout. Pointed collar. Button closures at center front. 48" bust, 18" shoulder width, 30" length.
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21st Century and Contemporary European Moschino

MOSCHINO COUTURE 2020 Runway Picasso Musical Note Score white leather clutch bag
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MOSCHINO COUTURE 2020 Runway Picasso Musical Note Score white leather clutch bag Reference: TGAS/D00504 Brand: Moschino Designer: Jeremy Scott Collection: SS2020- - Runway Material: ...
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HOLY GRAIL! AW22 MOSCHINO COUTURE JEREMY SCOTT CHAMPAGNE ICE BUCKET BAG Leather
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THE HOLY GRAIL OF ALL MOSCHINO BAGS! MOSCHINO COUTURE CHAMPAGNE ICE BUCKET LEATHER LOGO PLAQUE BAG AW22 Collection by Jeremy Scott MSRP $5,175 + tax! Rare and Highly Sou...
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2010s Italian Moschino

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Moschino fashion for sale on 1stDibs.

Find an extraordinary range of authentic Moschino fashion available on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing our collection of unique vintage and designer fashion to elevate your daily look or to introduce new colors to the dazzling formal wear in your wardrobe, this designer’s body of work includes elements of red, pink, blue and other tones. Most of the items here were designed during the 20th Century, but you can find examples that were created as recently as the 21st Century and Contemporary. Customers who are interested in this designer might also find the work of Valentino, Fendi, and Gianni Versace appealing. On 1stDibs, find haute couture, vintage and designer Moschino fashion from top boutiques around the world. Moschino fashion prices can differ depending upon time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $45 and tops out at $8,500, while the average work can sell for $495.
Questions About Moschino
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024
    Whether Moschino is true to size depends on the piece. The Italian luxury fashion house has its own sizing system, which is different from the ones used by other labels and can vary from piece to piece. As a result, Moschino recommends that you read the sizing information on the product sheet to determine which size is right for you. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Moschino apparel and accessories.

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