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.
Moschino 1990s Gold Plate and Glass Vintage Flower Brooch
By Moschino
Located in Skelmersdale, GB
This delightful and chic brooch by Italian design house Moschino was made in the late 1980s or early 1990s. Condition Report: Excellent The Details... This brooch is constructed ...
Gold Plate
MOSCHINO Vintage Gold Tone Tragicomedy Mask Brooch
By Moschino
Located in Nice, FR
MOSCHINO vintage textured antiqued gold tone tragicomedy mask brooch. Embossed MOSCHINO. Indicative measurements : height approx. 10.5 cm (4.13 inches) / max. width approx. 4.5 cm ...
Gilt Metal
MOSCHINO Vintage "Chi Dorme Non Piglia" Articulated Fish Dangling Brooch
By Moschino
Located in Nice, FR
MOSCHINO vintage gold tone brooch featuring an enameled and articulated fish topped by a faux pearl and the quote "CHI DORME NON PIGLIA" (PISCE) - e.g. Those who run away are always ...
MOSCHINO Vintage Gold Tone Angel Brooch
By Moschino
Located in Nice, FR
MOSCHINO vintage antiqued gold tone angel brooch featuring a textured metal heart and a pearlescent heart drop. Embossed MOSCHINO. Indicative measurements : height approx. 12.5 cm ...
Gilt Metal
Ruby and Diamond Platinum Tie Tac Brooch Pin
Located in Montreal, QC
Finely detailed Platinum Ruby and Diamond Tie Tac Brooch, center securely nestled with an oval Ruby weighing approx. 0.96 Carat, surrounded by Diamonds, weighi...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco Carved Red Coral and Paste Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco carved genuine red coral and crystal paste brooch set in 800 grade silver mounting. The oval domed brooch is carved and pierced in a swirling floriform motif. European cir...
Coral, Silver
Nettie Rosenstein Gripoix Flower Brooch
By Nettie Rosenstein
Located in New York, NY
Rare and unusual Nettie Rosenstein Gripoix Flower Brooch. Designed in USA, made in France with a pearlized poured glass flower by Maison Gripoix. Attr...
Gilt Metal
Stunning Vintage Designer CINER Signed Faux Diamond Estate Brooch Pin
By Ciner
Located in Montreal, QC
Elegant & Stylish Modernist Estate signed CINER Gold tone articulated Ribbons inter-spaced with same Ribbons set with sparkling Faux Diamanté set stones; signed by designer CINER on...
Gold Plate
Art Deco Seahorse Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco Seahorse Brooch of gilt metal with pave accents form the 1930's. Beautifully detailed with dimensional seahorse wrapped around a jewel capped ...
Gilt Metal
Victorian Silver Plate Turtle Dove Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Victorian silver plate love token brooch of two tethered finely detailed turtle doves. For the Victorians there was a close association between true lovers...
Silver Plate
Victorian Bohemian Garnet Antique Clover Brooch
Located in Skelmersdale, GB
This shimmering brooch was created in the mid to late 1800s, most likely in the kingdom of Bohemia. Condition Report: Very Good - A couple of very tiny garnets are missing from the...
Garnet
Chanel Logo Coin Medallion Cruciform Brooch
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel large square shaped cruciform pendant-brooch composed of ruby, emerald, and pearl square cabochons. The center being a signature "Chanel" coin medallion...
Gold Plate, Bronze, Enamel, Gilt Metal
Antique Victorian Diamond 15K Gold Locket Brooch Pin Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely detailed Antique Victorian Diamond 15K Gold Locket Brooch. Center set with a 0.12ct Diamond. Hand crafted in 15 Karat Yellow G...
Diamond, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Violin Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Wonderful figural brooch from the late 19th Century depicting a 3 dimensional realistic violin. Very likely made for a musician in the period. Made of gold filled metal with extraor...
Gold-filled
Coco Chanel Byzantine Heart Crest Brooch
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Coco Chanel Early Byzantine heart brooch, The silvered metal heart set with crystal pastes and appliqued with faux emerald hand formed pate de verre ro...
Gilt Metal, Gold Plate, Silver Plate, Brass
French Art Nouveau Blond Horn Rose Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Large French Art Nouveau honey colored horn and metal brooch, depicting an unfurling rose highlighted with cold paint and stained color details. The design of each unique piece is hand cut/carved and the additional details are added with sculptors tools...
SS20 Moschino Couture Picasso Yellow Red Flower Brooch by Jeremy Scott
By Moschino
Located in Los Angeles, CA
SS20 Moschino Couture Jeremy Scott Picasso Yellow Red Flower Brooch RUNWAY Additional Information: Material: 50% PVC 30% PL 10% CO 5% ME 5% VT ...
1990s Vintage Moschino Gold Tone Heart Tassel Pin Brooch
By Moschino
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a playful gold tone heart tassel pin brooch designed by Moschino in 1990’s. Signed: “Moschino” (shown in photos). Length: 11.5cm Diameter: 3.5cm ——— If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. We describe our items accurately. Please note that in reality they can look much better because photo can’t capture that magical sparkle. We have many years of experience in this business. And we have a very carefully curated selection of pieces. You can buy with confidence. Thank you for your consideration. ——— “Laura Antiques Fine Jewellery...
Gilt Metal
1980s Moschino Stone Enameled Mirror Pin Brooch
By Moschino
Located in London, GB
1980's Moschino Bijoux Mirror Pin Brooch, stone enameled detailing on gold-tone metalware, Made In Italy The craftsmanship of this special piece ensure...
Enamel
Fall 1989 MOSCHINO Dinner Cutlery Fork Knife and Spoon Brooch Full Set with Box
By Moschino
Located in Munich, DE
Early Moschino pieces designed by Franco Moschino himself – often referred to as Italian fashion's "enfant terrible" – within the short period when he launched the House of Moschino in 1983 until he passed away in 1994 are sought after and highly collectible. This treasure, like several others – some of them already available in my shop, more to be listed gradually –, comes direct from a German socialite and fashion lover so has not been on the market prior to this. This is a rare and collectible full set of three cutlery brooches with their original box from one of Franco Moschino's most iconic collections, the Fall 1989 "Show-off" couture runway collection. Capturing the fun and charm vibe that Moschino has always represented as a brand, they are the epitome of a conversation starter accessory! Pieces of this legendary "Dinner" collection are held by various fashion museums worldwide. We sold the "Dinner" jacket and skirt suit to The Museum at FIT in NYC last year. The set comprises three gold-colored metal brooches featuring a fork, a knife and a spoon with a deliberate black patina and double pins on the back. All pieces are embossed MOSCHINO. Original box still present. Excellent vintage condition. Hardly ever worn. Deliberate black patina. Irregularities on metal are original. Fork: approx. 12.7 cm x 2 cm – 5" x 0.79" Knife: approx. 13 cm x 1,5 cm – 5.12" x 0.6" Spoon: approx. 13 cm x 2,8 cm – 5.12" x 1.1" Weight: Fork (21 g) / Knife (23 g) / Spoon (26 g) Reference photo: Moschino Couture Fall 1989...
Moschino 1980s Pen Brooch in Black Acrylic with Gold Detail
By Moschino
Located in San Francisco, CA
Vintage Moschino pin in the shape of a fountain pen. Black resin with gold tone detailing. Black resin "ink drop" dangles from tip. Signed Moschino at pe...
Moschino Vintage Massive Gold Toned Comedy Mask Brooch
By Moschino
Located in Nice, FR
MOSCHINO vintage massive gold toned comedy mask brooch featuring a long chain tassel. Embossed MOSCHINO. Has weight on it. Indicative measurements : hei...
Moschino Vintage Iconic 1989 Cutlery Dinner Sautoir Necklace and Brooch Set
By Moschino
Located in Nice, FR
MOSCHINO vintage iconic 1989 gold toned with antique patina cutlery dinner sautoir necklace and spoon brooch set. A very rare find from FRANCO MOSCHINO e...
Moschino Vintage Rare Fork, Spoon, Knife Brooch Set
By Moschino
Located in Nice, FR
MOSCHINO vintage rare set of three gold toned with black patina brooches featuring a fork, a spoon and a knife. Embossed MOSCHINO. Indicative measurements : fork approx. 12.6 cm x ...
Moschino Vintage "Peace & Love" Charm Safety Pin Brooch
By Moschino
Located in Sparks, NV
Vintage Moschino gold brooch in the shape of an oversized safety pin. The brooch has three dangling charms; a peace sign, an ampersand, and a heart. From Moschino's iconic "Peace & L...
Rare 1990s Moschino Question Mark Brooch
By Moschino
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Super Rare Moschino "Question Mark" Brooch with nuts and bolts, surrounded by rhinestones. Make the ultimate statement with this 1990's collectors piece! Measures 5" x 2" there are a...
Moschino Whimsical Eye Glass Spectacles Brooch
By Moschino
Located in University City, MO
Moschino Whimsical eye glass spectacles brooch The unique designer brooch is designed in the style of a pair of gilt wire frame eye glasses with clear pl...
1970s Moschino Flower Brooch
By Moschino
Located in Capri, IT
1970s Moschino Flower Brooch