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.
$367
Size: UK 6-8 / 28inch waist
Vintage MOSCHINO 1990s High Waist Colourful Monopoly Print Pattern Trousers 28"
By Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
A Pair of Vintage 1990's MOSCHINO high waisted patterned trousers, featuring the iconic Moschino Monopoly print allover in a Vibrant Colour palette. MADE IN ITALY. Features: Zip - Bu...
$567Sale Price|20% Off
Moschino Vintage Iconic 90s Frame Art Gallery Trousers
By Moschino
Located in Nice, FR
MOSCHINO vintage iconic 1990s trousers featuring an opulent multicolored gold framed art gallery masterpieces. These trousers feature : - Front butto...
1990's Iconic Moschino Colourful Monopoly Pattern Print High waisted Trousers
By Moschino, Franco Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
Loud and Iconic, early 1990's Vintage Moschino high waisted fitted satin trousers, featuring a fun 'Moschinopoly' print all over in a stretchy shiny material. MADE IN ITALY ! Feature...
1990's Vintage Moschino Colourful Pinball Pattern High waisted Trousers Jeans
By Franco Moschino, Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
Vintage Early 1990's Moschino 'Pinball' patterned, high waisted Las Vegas themed casino trousers in bold primary and vibrant colours. MADE IN ITALY ! Features: High waisted fit / Cl...
Moschino Vintage Flare Leg Novelty Print Size 26 Trousers Jeans, 1990s
By Moschino
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredible vintage 90s MOSCHINO boot cut novelty print pants! Features a variety of prints of people and cowgirls throughout. Pockets at each side of the waist. Button at waistband. Features slight stretch (98% Cotton 2% Elastane). Classic mid rise fit. Made in Italy The pictured Stella McCartney chiffon blouse, vintage Karl Lagerfeld blazer, and vintage Missoni cardigan...
Vintage 1990's Moschino 'Apple Mac' Print High Waisted Pattern Jeans Trousers
By Franco Moschino, Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
Incredible Vintage 1990's Moschino 'Apple Mac' Parody print, patterned high waisted trousers. MADE IN ITALY ! Features: Zip / Button fasten Classic x4 poc...
$503
Size: 30" inch waist
Rare Vintage Franco Moschino Supermarket pop art print Colourful denim Jeans
By Franco Moschino, Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
Rare Vintage Franco Moschino Supermarket pop art print Colourful denim Jeans Deadstock Condition ! Circa 1990. Classic 4 pocket design, Belt loops & Button down closure fasten. Size...
Moschino 1990s Casino Print Jeans
By Moschino
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing the stunning Moschino 1990s Casino Print Jeans, a timeless and playful piece that captures the essence of 90s fashion with its eye-catching design and classic silhouette. Crafted from black denim, these high-waisted straight-leg jeans feature a striking and detailed casino print that is sure to make a statement. The print showcases various Moschino logos and casino game designs, adding a playful and whimsical touch to the jeans. From playing cards and roulette wheels to slot machines and dice, each element is meticulously rendered to create a unique and eye-catching design. The classic 90s style silhouette and high-waisted fit add a touch of retro-inspired charm, while the playful print infuses the jeans with a sense of fun and personality. Whether paired with a simple t-shirt for a casual daytime look or dressed up with a statement blouse for a night out, these jeans are sure to turn heads and make a lasting impression. Embrace the playful and unique style of the 90s with the Moschino 1990s Casino Print Jeans, and add a touch of whimsy to your wardrobe with their eye-catching design and timeless appeal. Whether worn for a special occasion or as a statement piece in your everyday look, these jeans are sure to become a cherished addition to your collection. Style these with a Chanel cami...
2000's Moschino Times Square Where's Waldo NYC Cartoon Pattern Trousers - Pants
By Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
Fun 2000's Vintage Moschino satin pants, depicting a 'where's waldo' colourful cartoon'esque pattern of Times Square in New York city. MADE IN ITALY ! Features: Zip fasten / x4 Pock...
Moschino Vintage 1990s 90s Velour "Cheap & Chic" Scribble Print Pants
By Moschino Cheap and Chic, Moschino
Located in Sparks, NV
Vintage soft velour pants with a "Cheap & Chic" scribble print. Details: Unlined Side Zip and Hook Closure Marked Size: I 42/ US 8/ GB 10/ F 38/ D 38 Color: Black/ Light...
Rare Moschino Iconic Collection "Moschinopoly" Print trousers
By Moschino
Located in Capri, IT
Rare Moschino Iconic Collection "Moschinopoly" Print trousers Rare collection inspired at Monopoly by Moschino totally made in italy in size 30 High waisted, iconic print that featu...
1990S Moschino Iconic main colleciton print Leggins in size M
By Moschino
Located in Capri, IT
1990s Moschino calze iconic print leggins Size M embellished with prints from all the most famous Moschino collection
Moschino Vintage 1990s Slot Collection Unisex Cotton Pants Size 40
By Moschino
Located in Capri, IT
Moschino vintage slot collection pants totally made i italy in size it 40 composition: 100% cotton measurements: 70 waist, 99 lenght in CM
Moschino Vintage 1990s Slot Collection Unisex Cotton Pants Size IT 40
By Moschino
Located in Capri, IT
Moschino vintage slot collection pants totally made i italy in size it 40 composition: 100% cotton measurements: 70 waist, 99 lenght in CM
1990s Moschino "No to Racism" collection cotton pants size 40
By Moschino
Located in Capri, IT
totally made in italy in size 40 embellished with images from all the main collections
1990s Moschino "Sales" Black and white pants in size 42 it
By Moschino
Located in Capri, IT
1990s Moschino "Sales" Black and white pants in size 42 it totally made in italy
