The story of Moschino and Moschino Couture 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 Couture bags, shirts, pants, jackets and other clothing on 1stDibs.
$395Sale Price|20% Off
H 6 in W 9.5 in D 6 in
AW24 Moschino Couture Plush Teddy Bear Purse Top Leather Handle Crossbody Bag
By Moschino
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cute deadstock item! Wear it as a top handle bag or a crossbody bag! MOSCHINO COUTURE Plush Teddy Bear Purse Top Leather Handle Crossbody Bag AW24 Collection MSRP $695+tax! 1...
$132Sale Price|55% Off
H 9.3 in W 6.8 in D 0.6 in
AW19 Moschino Couture Sims Leather Teddy Bear Pixel Pouch Clutch by Jeremy Scott
By Jeremy Scott, Moschino
Located in Los Angeles, CA
AW19 Moschino Couture Jeremy Scott Sims Leather Teddy Bear Pixel Pouch Clutch Additional Information: Material: 100% Leather Color: Multicolor Pat...
$175Sale Price|22% Off
H 6 in W 9 in D 1.5 in
AW22 MOSCHINO Couture Jeremy Scott Teddy Bear All Over Chains & Plaque Clutch
By Jeremy Scott, Moschino
Located in Los Angeles, CA
MOSCHINO COUTURE Teddy Bear All Over Chains & Plaque Clutch MSRP $395 SUPER CUTE! 100% Authentic!!! Condition: Brand new with tags, original Moschino dust bag included ...
Moschino 2015 Runway Teddy Bear Print Mini Bag in Black Satin
By Moschino
Located in London, GB
This playful bag was designed by Creative Director Jeremy Scott for Moschino's Fall 2015 collection and was featured on the runway. Described by Vogue as, “his best Moschino collecti...
$395Sale Price|20% Off
H 8.25 in W 10.75 in D 5 in
AW22 MOSCHINO Couture Jeremy Scott Teddy Bear All Over Chains & Plaque Tote Bag
By Jeremy Scott, Moschino
Located in Los Angeles, CA
*SUPER SOUGHT AFTER ITEM* MOSCHINO COUTURE Teddy Bear All Over Chains & Plaque Tote Bag AW22 collection by Jeremy Scott MSRP $807+tax! SUPER CUTE! 100% Authentic!!! Con...
MOSCHINO Vintage Brown Teddy Bear Backpack
By Moschino
Located in Nice, FR
MOSCHINO by REDWALL Vintage Brown Teddy Bear Backpack. This backpack captures the playful, irreverent spirit of Moschino’s vintage universe, ...
Moschino Redwall 1990s Teddy Bear Backpack
By Redwall, Moschino
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Do not miss out on the Moschino Redwall 1990s Teddy Bear Backpack – a whimsical and adorable accessory that seamlessly merges fashion with playfulness. This statement backpack is not just a practical storage solution; it's a charming collectors piece that captures the hearts of animal lovers and fashion enthusiasts alike. The standout feature of this backpack is the irresistibly cute brown faux fur teddy bear. This playful design adds a touch of whimsy to your ensemble, making it the perfect accessory for those who appreciate unique and lighthearted fashion. The gold tone hardware accents elevate the backpack's aesthetic, adding a touch of luxury to the playful teddy bear design. These details showcase the craftsmanship and attention to detail characteristic of Moschino Redwall. The brown leather straps not only provide durability but also complement the teddy bear's fur, creating a cohesive and stylish look. The choice of materials adds to the overall quality and sophistication of the backpack. Practicality meets style with two large zip-up pockets on both the front and back of the backpack. These compartments offer ample space to secure your belongings while maintaining the integrity of the teddy bear design. Beyond its functional use, this Teddy Bear Backpack from Moschino Redwall is a collectors piece that embodies the playful spirit of the 1990s. Its unique design and iconic branding make it a sought-after item for those who appreciate fashion as art. Pair the Teddy Bear Backpack with your favorite Chanel denim and a simple Versace tee...
$395
H 7.8 in W 5.7 in D 4.9 in
SS20 Moschino Couture Jeremy Scott Bat Teddy Bear Black Mini Backpack Halloween
By Jeremy Scott, Moschino
Located in Los Angeles, CA
SS20 Moschino Couture Jeremy Scott Bat Teddy Bear Black Mini Backpack Halloween Additional Information: Material: PU Leather/Polyurethane, Leather...
Moschino Rare Teddy Valley of the Dolls - Runway Dress
By Moschino Couture
Located in Iba, PH
Moschino RTW Spring 2017, Valley of the Dolls. One of Jeremy Scott's collection of life-size paper doll clothes. The trend has taken hold in a major way ...
Moschino, 'Kiss My Patch' Pouch, Fall/Winter 1993-1994
By Franco Moschino
Located in CAPELLE AAN DEN IJSSEL, ZH
This iconic pouch from the Moschino Couture line features an eclectic mix of cartoon-like appliqués and whimsical hardware, including a teddy bear, peace sign, key, and clock—all qui...
Moschino multicoloured Limited Edition Capri handle bag
By Moschino
Located in Capri, IT
Moschino multicoloured Limited Edition Capri handle bag a shopper bag totally inspired and dedicated to the island of Capri embellished with images recolling the main and most famous...
Met Museum Moschino Cheap and Chic 1990s Vintage Women's Art Is Love Mini Dress
By Moschino Cheap and Chic
Located in Capri, IT
Met Museum wrote this about this amazing unique dress: Self-described “fashion philosopher” and “half tailor and half artist,” Franco Moschino eschewed the traditional labels associa...
Moschino collection inspired to Monopoli viscose shirt
By Moschino
Located in Capri, IT
Moschino collection inspired to Monopoli viscose shirt An iconic and really one of a kind Moschino shirt totally inspired to the famous Monopoli game Made in italy, in size 42. Compo...
Moschino fashOn fashOff multicoloured viscose shirt
By Moschino Jeans
Located in Capri, IT
Moschino jeans fashOn fashOff multicoloured viscose shirt Size 46
Fendi micro double sided baguette monster shoulder handle bag
By Fendi
Located in Capri, IT
Fendi micro double sided baguette monster shoulder handle bag Fendi multicolour fox and snakeskin trimmed leather baguette bag measurements approx in cm 17.5*7*10 handle drop is 3.5...
Moschino 1990s Vintage Multicoloured Cotton Dress Size L Made in Italy
By Moschino
Located in Capri, IT
Moschino multicoloured cotton dress totally made in italy in size L
