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.
Massive MOSCHINO Maltese Cross Red Orange Cabochon Novelty Dangling Earrings
By Moschino
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage Massive MOSCHINO Maltese Cross Red Orange Cabochon Novelty Dangling Earrings Features: - 100% Authentic MOSCHINO. - Massive Maltese cross dangling novelty earrings. - Red or...
Vintage Massive MOSCHINO Lucky Four Leaf Clover and Shamrock Dangling Earrings
By Moschino
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage Massive MOSCHINO Lucky Four Leaf Clover and Shamrock Dangling Earrings Features: - 100% Authentic MOSCHINO. - Massive four leaf clover earrings with dangling shamrock. - Cl...
Vintage MOSCHINO Lucite Heart Peace Sign Novelty Dangling Earrings
By Moschino
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage MOSCHINO Lucite Heart Peace Sign Novelty Dangling Earrings Features: - 100% Authentic MOSCHINO. - Lucite heart with peace sign dangling novelty earrings. - Clip back earring...
Vintage Massive MOSCHINO Dollar Sign Heart Pearl Novelty Dangling Earrings
By Moschino
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage Massive MOSCHINO Dollar Sign Heart Pearl Novelty Dangling Earrings Features: - 100% Authentic MOSCHINO. - Massive dollar sign, pearl with...
Vintage Massive MOSCHINO Peace Sign Rhinestone Novelty Dangling Earrings
By Moschino
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage Massive MOSCHINO Peace Sign Rhinestone Novelty Dangling Earrings Features: - 100% Authentic MOSCHINO. - Iconic PEACE rhinestone sign dangling earrings. - Clip back earrings....
Massive MOSCHINO Lucky Four Leaf Clover and Resin Horn Novelty Dangling Earrings
By Moschino
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage Massive MOSCHINO Lucky Four Leaf Clover and Resin Horn Novelty Dangling Earrings Features: - 100% Authentic MOSCHINO. - Lucky four leaf clover earrings with dangling resin h...
Vintage MOSCHINO Compass Pearl Novelty Dangling Earrings
By Moschino
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage MOSCHINO Compass Pearl Novelty Dangling Earrings Measurements: Height: 2.75 inches (7 cm) Width: 1.10 inches (2.8 cm) Weight per Earring: 22 grams Features: - 100% Authenti...
Vintage MOSCHINO Blue Glass Heart Dangling Earrings
By Moschino
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage MOSCHINO Blue Glass Heart Dangling Earrings Measurements: Height: 3.46 inches (8.8 cm) Width: 1.89 inches (4.8 cm) Weight per Earring: 29 grams Features: - 100% Authentic ...
Vintage MOSCHINO Mondrian Heart Novelty Dangling Earrings
By Moschino
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage MOSCHINO Mondrian Heart Novelty Dangling Earrings Features: - 100% Authentic MOSCHINO. - Mondrian heart dangling novelty earrings. - Clip back earrings. - Signed MOSCHINO. -...
Vintage MOSCHINO Colourful Beaded Long Dangling Earrings
By Moschino
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage MOSCHINO Colourful Beaded Long Dangling Earrings Measurements: Height: 5.11 inches (13 cm) Width: 1.50 inches (3.8 cm) Weight per Earring...
Vintage MOSCHINO Good Luck Horseshoe Dangling Earrings
By Moschino
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage MOSCHINO Good Luck Horseshoe Dangling Earrings Measurements: Height: 3.54 inches (9 cm) Width: 1.26 inches (3.2 cm) Weight per Earring: 23 grams Features: - 100% Authentic ...
Vintage MOSCHINO "I Am What I Am" Peace Sign Novelty Dangling Earrings
By Moschino
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage MOSCHINO "I Am What I Am" Peace Sign Novelty Dangling Earrings Measurements: Height: 3.74 inches (9.5 cm) Width: 1.77 inches (4.5 cm) Weight per Earring: 32 grams Features:...
Vintage MOSCHINO Button Safety Pin Novelty Dangling Earrings
By Moschino
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage MOSCHINO Button Safety Pin Novelty Dangling Earrings Measurements: Height: 2.95 inches (7.5 cm) Width: 0.71 inch (1.8 cm) Weight per Earring: ...
Vintage MOSCHINO Pearl Fleur de Lys Torsade Novelty Dangling Earrings
By Moschino
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage MOSCHINO Pearl Fleur de Lys Torsade Novelty Dangling Earrings Measurements: Height: 2.95 inches (7.5 cm) Width: 1.41 inches (3.6 cm) Weight per...
Vintage Massive MOSCHINO Millefiore Disc Dangling Earrings
By Moschino
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage Massive MOSCHINO Millefiore Disc Dangling Earrings Measurements: Height: 2.75 inches (7 cm) Width: 1.77 inches (4.5 cm) Weight per Earring: 31 grams Features: - 100% Authen...
Drop Earrings with Moons and Stars Tassels in Vermeil Gold
By Ammanii
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Part of AMMANII's Sa'mma = Sky Collection. Homage to the sky, the universal blanket that covers mankind and connects us all under its wings. The drop earrings with moon and stars tas...
Zircon, 18k Gold, Vermeil, Silver
Vintage Lapis Lazuli and Diamond Dangle Earrings
Located in Honolulu, HI
Beautifully Lapis Lazuli diamond dangling earrings in 14k yellow gold. These gorgeous earrings has a deep blue pear shape Lapis cabochons dangling from an inverted heart set with diamonds. The Lapis cabochons are bezel set. Each heart is set with 16 round brilliant cut diamonds totaling 32 diamonds on the pair. The diamonds are G in color and SI1 in clarity. The total diamond weight is approximately 0.65 carat. The earrings have post backs for pierced ears and are equipped with friction backings. These earrings are very well made in 14k yellow gold. The earrings measure 36 mm long (1.50 inches) x 13.94 mm wide (0.50 inch). The total weight of the earrings is 9.00 grams. These are vintage Lapis Lazuli...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Heart Diamond Dangling Earrings in 14k White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Earrings Specifications: Metal: 14k White Gold Earring Length: 0.80" Total Weight: 1.9 Grams Diamonds: 42 Setting: Prong Ruby Carat Weight: 0.50 Diamond Color: G-H Diamond ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
White and Black Diamond Pave Dangle Earrings in 14k White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous drop earrings with 0.93 ct. of white and black diamond rounds. Handmade 14k white gold mountings.
Black Diamond, White Gold
Vivid Diamonds GIA Certified 14.8 Carat Dangle Diamond Earrings
By Vivid Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
Sensational Vivid Diamonds Dangle earrings crafted in platinum showcasing 2 GIA certified round brilliant cut diamonds weighing 6.05 carats total, G-H color, VS1-SI1 clarity and 2 GI...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Gold Diamond Dangle Earrings in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Earrings Specifications: Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Earring Length: 1.75" Total Weight: 14.3 Grams Diamonds: 16 Setting: Prong Diamond Color: G Diamond Clarity: VS Diamond Carat ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Lapis Lazuli and Diamond Pear Shape Earrings in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
These gorgeous earrings feature a deep blue pear shape Lapis cabochons bezel set. Each side of the earring is set with 11 round brilliant cut diamonds totaling 22 diamonds on the pai...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dangly Star Sapphire Stud Drop Earrings 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Dangly Star Sapphire Stud Drop Earrings 14k Yellow Gold Item Specifications: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Earring Length: 20 mm long Total Weight: 4.9 Grams Gemstone Specification...
Star Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond and Carved Pink Quartz Large Drop Earrings, 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Stunning carved Pink Quartz, Blue Topaz & Diamond drop earrings in 18k white gold. These beautiful earrings feature two large carved drop pear shape...
Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold, White Gold
Purple Amethyst Pink Kunzite Diamond Dangly Drop Earrings 18k Rose Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Specifications: Metal: 18k Rose Gold Total Weight: 8.1 Grams Kunzite Total Carat Weight: 6.00 carats Amethyst Total Carat Weight: 2.50 carats Diamond Count: 100 brilliant cut ...
Diamond, Amethyst, Kunzite, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vivid Diamonds 18 Carat Emerald Earrings
By Vivid Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
This unique pair of earrings fuse elegance and whimsical design. Set in 18 karat gold plated with black rhodium, showcasing 280 round cut emeralds, weighing approximately 18 carats. ...
Emerald, 18k Gold
Tahitian Pearl 2" Dangly Earrings 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Earrings Specifications: Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Earring Length: ~1.95" long Total Weight: 7.7 Grams Pearl Type: Tahitian pearls Pearl Diameter: 9.5 mm Stamped: "18kt" Conditi...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage MOSCHINO Green Glass Heart Dangling Earrings
By Moschino
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage MOSCHINO Green Glass Heart Dangling Earrings Measurements: Height: 3.27 inches (8.3 cm) Width: 1.77 inches (4.5 cm) Weight per Earring: 27 grams Features: - 100% Authentic...
Vintage MOSCHINO Nautical Anchor Wheel Novelty Earrings
By Moschino
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage MOSCHINO Nautical Anchor Wheel Novelty Earrings Measurements: Height: 3.93 inches (10 cm) Width: 1.25 inches (3.2 cm) Weight per Earring: 21 ...
Vintage Iconic MOSCHINO Jeweled Question Mark Novelty Earrings
By Moschino
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage Iconic MOSCHINO Jeweled Question Mark Novelty Earrings Measurements: Height: 2.71 inches (6.9 cm) Width: 1 inch (2.6 cm) Weight per Earring: ...
Fall 2016 Moschino "It's Lit" Cigarette Clip Earrings
By Moschino
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Keep your accessory game hot with these novelty Moschino cigarette earrings! Circa 2016 from Moschino's Fall ready-to-wear runway collection, these detailed cigarette motif drop earr...