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 Franco Moschino jackets, skirts, pants and other clothing on 1stDibs.
Novelty Moschino 1990s Festive Italian Panettone Loud Colourful print shirt
By Moschino, Franco Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
Novelty Moschino 1990s Festive Italian Panettone Loud Colourful print shirt Made in Italy. Satin feel material / Long sleeves / Gold Buttons down the front / Loose fitting Pit to Pi...
Rare 1990's Moschino Adult Ads style Fetish Newspaper Print Pattern Shirt
By Franco Moschino, Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
Incredible Vintage 1990s Moschino 'Safe Sex / Adult Ads' patterned shirt in a black with white & red coloured print throughout. MADE IN ITALY ! Features: Central line button faste...
Original 2000's Vintage Moschino Sunset Print long sleeve Patterned Shirt
By Moschino, Franco Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
Original Early 2000's Moschino long sleeved sunset print shirt, in vibrant orange and purple coloured tones. Made in Italy ! This is the Original versio...
Franco Moschino 1990s Black Velvet 'All This and Glamour Too' Slogan Top
By Moschino, Franco Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
A Fabulous, Vintage 1990's Moschino black velvet Slogan Top from the Cheap & Chic collection, with 'ALL THIS AND GLAMOUR TOO' embroidered front with Gold and Red lettering detail. ...
1990’s Moschino Queen of England Blue off Shoulder Top - T-shirt
By Moschino, Franco Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
1990’s Moschino off-shoulder tee. Featuring allover etching print depicting Queen Elizabeth of England amongst various female figures and historical characters. The top features a sc...
Vintage 1990's Moschino 'Apple Mac' Print Black Colourful Pattern Satin Shirt
By Moschino, Franco Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
Vintage 1990s Moschino 'Apple Mac' Parody patterned long sleeve shirt, in a colourful silky satin feel fabric, featuring long sleeves and button closure down the centre. MADE IN ITAL...
Vintage 1990's Moschino 'Apple Mac' Print Red Parody Colourful Satin Shirt
By Franco Moschino, Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
Vintage 1990s Moschino 'Apple Mac' Parody patterned long sleeve shirt, in a red satin feel fabric. MADE IN ITALY ! Features: Central line button fasten / Lo...
Early 1990's Vintage Moschino I love Pattern Long sleeve Spell out Shirt
By Franco Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
Early 1990's UK Garage Era 'MOSCHINO' repeat patterned Long sleeve Shirt, crafted from a printed rayon with red, blue & green wording. MADE IN ITALY. Features: Logo spell o...
Kitsch 1990's Orange Heart Shaped MOSCHINO Bralet - Crop Top
By Moschino, Franco Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
Fabulous 1990's MOSCHINO Orange coloured stretchy denim crop top with heart shaped breasts and bejewelled buttons down the front. MADE IN ITALY. Size Fits a modern UK 6 beautifully...
1989 Archival Moschino Couture Blow Up Doll Appliqué Vest Top
By Moschino, Franco Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
Splendid, 1989 Runway 'Moschino Couture' label 'Blow up Doll' Tank top designed by Franco Moschino, depicting the face of a blow up doll with novelty fringed blond hair and playful b...
1990's MOSCHINO Colourful Casino Slot Machine pattern Las Vegas Shirt
By Moschino, Franco Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
Vintage 1990's Moschino Casino 'Slot machine' patterned long sleeve shirt, in a colourful rayon fabric, featuring long sleeves and button closure down the centre. The fit is loose an...
1980s Moschino Cheap & Chic Bullseye Black and White Size 8 Vintage Tunic Dress
By Franco Moschino, Moschino Cheap and Chic
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare 80s MOSCHINO Cheap & Chic black and white / ivory novelty bulls eye print Size 8 Rayon slouchy shirt tunic / mini dress ! Features fabric covered but...
Moschino Popeye & Olive Oil Cartoon 1990s Loud Colourful pastel print shirt
By Franco Moschino, Moschino Cheap and Chic
Located in Sheffield, GB
Moschino Popeye & Olive Oil Cartoon 1990s Loud Colourful pastel print shirt CHEAP & CHIC MADE IN ITALY ! Semi sheer texture / buttons down front / 3/4 long sleeves / Loose fit Pi...
Mens 1990s Moschino Colourful Ice Cream Cartoon Pattern Short sleeve Polo Shirt
By Moschino, Franco Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
1990's Moschino Colourful Ice Cream Pattern Polo Shirt decorated with cartoons of various italian icecreams with printed 'Moschino' Slogans, featuring short sleeves and button closur...
Mens 1990s MOSCHINO Colourful Vintage ice cream pattern Jazzy Summer print shirt
By Franco Moschino, Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
1990's Vintage 'MOSCHINO' ice-cream patterned short sleeved Shirt, crafted from a Vibrant Colourfully printed cotton. MADE IN JAPAN. Features: buttons down front , Collar, short sl...
1990's Rare Moschino 'Cat Face' Velvet Long Sleeve Appliqué Top
By Moschino, Franco Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
Rare Vintage early 1990's Moschino black velvet 'Cheap & Chic' label long sleeve top, featuring novelty Cat face appliqué to the front. MADE IN ITALY ! Features: Long Sleeves Roun...
Archival MOSCHINO white Roman Empire Sculpture Print Rayon Shirt circa 1990.
By Franco Moschino, Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
A Fun, Rare 1990’s Archival Moschino patterned shirt for the Collectors displaying an iconic Roman sculpture print. MADE IN ITALY. Features : Long sleeves, Buttons down the front a...
Iconic 1990's Vintage Moschino 'Franco' face Print Graphic Pattern Blue Shirt
By Moschino, Franco Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
Vintage 1990's Moschino 'FRANCO' print long sleeve shirt in a blue and white colourway, depicting the face of Franco Moschino himself. MADE IN ITALY ! Features: Central line button ...
Archive MOSCHINO 1990s Slogan all over Fun Loud Colourful Brands print shirt
By Franco Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
Moschino 1990s Slogan all over Fun Loud Colourful "Spoof Designer Brands & Creators" print shirt MADE IN ITALY. Archival Moschino Piece. Gold buttons down front / 100% Cotton / Lo...
1990's Vintage Denim Bustier Moschino Corset Body con Dress
By Franco Moschino, Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
Chic and sexy early 1990's Moschino Milano blue denim fitted dress, with corset style black lace trimmed upper body contours. MADE IN ITALY ! Featur...
Iconic Moschino 1990s Grey Sky Cloud pattern print fitted long sleeve shirt
By Moschino, Franco Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
Iconic Moschino 1990's Grey Sky Cloud pattern print fitted shirt MADE IN ITALY. Fitted body, Buttons down front, Long sleeves. Pit to Pit; 17.5” Pit to Cuff; 19.5” Nape to Hem; 29...
1990's Vintage Moschino 'Cloud' Print Sky Blue Long sleeve spell out Shirt
By Moschino, Franco Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
Vintage 1990's Moschino Iconic 'Cloud' print long sleeved shirt, with 'Moschino Forever' gold printed logo to the back. MADE IN ITALY ! Features: Long sleeves 'Moschino Forever' reve...
1990's Vintage Moschino Smiley Rave Face & Suns Pattern Short sleeve Blue Shirt
By Moschino, Franco Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
Epic Vintage 1990's Franco Moschino 'Smiley & Sun' patterned button down Shirt in a vibrant electric blue colour-way. Features: Short sleeves / Chest pockets / Central line butto...
Rare 1990's Moschino Supermarket Advertising Colourful Patterned Slogan Shirt
By Moschino, Franco Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
Superb, Vintage 1990's Archival Patterned Moschino short sleeved Shirt, depicting loud and colourful printed supermarket advertisements throughout with 'Moschino Market' slogans. MA...
1990's MOSCHINO Vintage Opposites Print Colourful Photo Print Loud T Shirt
By Moschino, Franco Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
A Rare 1990's Moschino jeans 'Opposites' print t-shirt. The T shirt is a garment that instantly takes one back to the Heights of Londons 1990's Rave scene, with colourful photograph...
Rare 1990's Vintage Moschino Animal Photo Pet Print Pattern Silk Shirt Blouse
By Moschino, Franco Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
Incredible Vintage 1990's Moschino pure silk shirt in a rare pattern depicting photographic images of household pets (Cats, Dogs, Rabbits etc.) MADE IN ITALY ! Features: Central li...
Fun Moschino Cartoon Las Vegas Casino Pinball 1990's Loud Colourful print shirt
By Moschino, Franco Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
Fun Moschino Casino Pinball themed 1990's Loud Colourful print shirt in Red. MADE IN ITALY 100% Rayon Gold buttons down the front / Breast Pockets / Loose fitting / Long sleeves P...
Moschino Wool 1990’s button down long sleeve spell out Shirt Shaket
By Moschino, Franco Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
Moschino Wool early 1990’s button down long sleeve spell out Shirt / Shaket. Archival Moschino print in Beige, Grey and red tones with repeat logo through out. Buttons down front B...
Rare 1990's Archival Moschino 'Opposites' Print Polo Shirt - Tee
By Moschino, Franco Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
Vintage 1990's Archival Moschino jeans 'Opposites' print Polo shirt, one of the most Iconic pieces from Franco Moschino's UK Garage reigning era. MADE IN ITALY ! Features: Button ...
Moschino 1990's Night & Day Novelty Fun Cotton Pyjama Sleep Shirt
By Moschino, Franco Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
Early 1990's Moschino 'Night & Day' shirt in contrasting black & white cottons. MADE IN ITALY ! Features: Central line button fasten close / Long sleeves / Front pockets / 'M...
MOSCHINO CD Print 1990s Compact Disc Music pattern Red Satin Shirt
By Moschino, Franco Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
Moschino CD Print 1990s Compact Disc Music pattern Red Satin Shirt MADE IN ITALY. Loose fitting / Gold Buttons down the front / Shiny satin feel texture / Long Sleeves / 100% Rayon...
Archive Vintage Moschino Franco Pop Art Print Andy Warhol style Colourful Shirt
By Moschino, Franco Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
Superb Vintage 1990's Moschino shirt inspired by the works of Andy Warhol, crafted from linen in pastel coloured shades depicting the faces of Franco Moschino. MADE IN ITALY ! Featu...
1990’s Moschino Cheap & Chic Red Leaning Tower of Pisa Italy Print Satin Shirt
By Moschino Cheap and Chic, Franco Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
A Fun 1990’s Moschino ‘Cheap & Chic’ Shirt in a red satin, with iconic italian 'leaning tower of Pisa' print on both front and reverse. Featuring long sleeves, buttons down the centr...
Archive MOSCHINO 1988 Forgive Me Not LGBTQ Aids History - Oversize Black T-Shirt
By Moschino, Franco Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
Archival MOSCHINO February 1988 'Forgive Me Not' Oversized T-Shirt. This T-Shirt was designed by Franco Moschino, an advocate for the Aids Movement throughout his career, The T-shirt...
Vintage 1990's Moschino Colourful Abstract Flower Pattern Short Sleeve Shirt
By Moschino, Franco Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
A Colourful Vintage 1990's MOSCHINO Jeans Vibrant floral patterned, short sleeved shirt. MADE IN ITALY. Features: Central line button fasten closure / Short sleeves / Loose - Oversiz...
1990's Moschino 'Apple Mac' Crazy Colourful Abstract Print White Shirt
By Moschino, Franco Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
Vintage 1990s Moschino 'Apple Mac' patterned parody shirt, in white satin feel fabric. Features: Central line button fasten Long sleeves Ladies fit MADE IN...
1990's Moschino 'Off Key' Long Sleeve Fleece Top Sweater in Black and Grey
By Moschino, Franco Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
Vintage 1990's Iconic Moschino 'Off Key' fuzzy textured fleece top, in a grey & black colourway with repeat pattern through out. MADE IN ITALY Features: Button down collar Long, c...
Rare Archival 1990s Moschino World Flag Colourful Pattern Satin Colourful shirt
By Moschino, Franco Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
Superb, Vintage Archival Moschino 'World Flags' pattern Shirt, crafted from a printed satin fabric with long sleeves and buttons down the front. MADE IN ITALY ! Features: Central ...
1990's Vintage Moschino Wildlife Animal Photo Print long sleeve Crazy Shirt
By Franco Moschino, Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
A fun Vintage 1990's Moschino shirt ! MADE IN ITALY. This rare Moschino Edition shirt depicts various photographic images of wildlife across the World. Features: Central line button ...