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.
Vintage Moschino Couture Tree Bark + Hearts 1990s Novelty Flared Hem Trousers
By Moschino, Moschino Couture
Located in San Diego, CA
Wonderful vintage 90s MOSCHINO COUTURE brown and black 'tree bark and hearts' printed flared leg pants! Awesome novelty print, with an equally impressive fit! Mid-rise crotch, with f...
Moschino Couture RUNWAY Pre Fall 2016 Red Black Plaid Silk Zipper Bondage Pants
By Moschino Couture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fashion History: Seen in Look 24 of Moschino's Pre Fall 2016 runway collection, these trousers capture the collection's fusion of punk, fetish, and industrial workwear. Under Creativ...
Moschino Couture New Graffiti Leggings Pants
By Moschino Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
Fabulous leggings from Moschino Couture. They are fitted, covered in a white graffiti pattern on a black background. and have zippers at the outer ankles of each leg. Fits size Smal...
Black trouser with gold metal chain embellishment MOSCHINO COUTURE
By Moschino Couture
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black trouser with gold metal chain embellishment mixed with black gros-grain. Fabric composition: 64% triacetate, 36% polyester. Pocket on both side + 2 pockets on the back. Butto...
1990s Roberto Cavalli Black Snake Print Jeans
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Toronto, Ontario
1990s Roberto Cavalli five pocket jeans. Black and grey snake print with metallic flecks throughout. Contrasting dark silver buttons and hardware. Zipper fly & boot cut shape. Slight...
Vintage 1970's North Beach Leather Whipstitch Sailor Pants
By North Beach Leather
Located in Oakland, CA
Vintage 1970s handmade North Beach Leather deerskin pants in a sailor-pant style. Whipstitch construction, 8-button front. These are in good condition, especially for a pair of this...
1980s Fabulous Vintage Escada High Waist Black Sequin Stirrup Pants with Tags
By Escada
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The return of the stirrup pant all over the European runways has put the style back in the spotlight, making this pair designed by Escada in the Eighties an amazing vintage find. Covered in rows and rows of black sequins, the black silk satin trousers have a gorgeous texture and iridescence. The high waistline, slim cut through the hips, looser straight legs and lightweight black stretch nylon lining make for a sophisticated silhouette, which holds its elegant drape with the elasticized strap that goes under the foot. Wear these in the daytime or nighttime with a heel to play up their very best feature. Size estimate: XS/S Measurements Size: 36 Waist: 26 inches Hips: 36 inches Length: 43 inches Inseam: 29 inches These vintage Escada stirrup pants...
PRINGLE Size 32 Taupe Corduroy Cotton Pleated Casual Pants
By Pringle
Located in San Francisco, CA
PRINGLE of SCOTLAND casual pants in a taupe cotton corduroy featuring a pleated style, tapered leg, and adjustable leather side tabs.Good Pre-Owned Condition. Moderate signs of wear,...
Versace Green and Gold Baroque Printed Pants
By Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
If it ain't Baroque don't fix it! Rock some print with out 1990s Versace Baroque printed pants! Bright green, cream and gold swirling print on woven cotton pants. Mid rise fit with a...
Christian Dior by John Galliano FW 2004 "KABUKI" Crystal Stud & Leather Pants 36
By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in Switzerland, CH
Stunning Christian Dior Pants Designed by John Galliano for the Dior FW 2004 collection "KABUKI" The pants are designed in the print of that season, seen ...
Christian Lacroix pants by Christian Lacroix circa late 1990s
By Christian Lacroix Paris, Christian Lacroix
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHRISTIAN LACROIX - A ready-to-wear Collection circa late 1990s, under the artistic direction of Christian Lacroix. Flowing patterned pants in red, yellow and black tones. Good gen...
Printed cotton flatpack layered track shorts CRAIG GREEN & Comme Des Garçons
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Printed cotton and jacquard flatpack layered track shorts. Wrap fabric belt around the waist. Zip closure on the top middle front. Pocket on both side SIZE S on tag
Yoshi Yamamoto Black Wide-Leg Trousers
By Yohji Yamamoto
Located in New York, NY
Yoshi Yamamoto black wool wide-leg trousers is size medium/Japan. The waist measures 28", waistband is 1 1/2" in width, hips are 40&q...
$8,847
Size: IT 42 - FR 38 - UK 10 - US 6
Alexander McQueen grey denim shirt and flared pants, fw 2000
By Alexander McQueen
Located in London, GB
▪ Alexander McQueen grey denim suit ▪ Fitted shirt with multiple bias-cut panels ▪ High-rise flared jeans ▪ Metal donut buttons ▪ IT 42 - FR 38 - UK 10...
Jean Paul Gaultier F/W 1999 Trompe L’Oeil Layered Print Pants Worn by Julia Fox
By Gaultier Jeans, Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Berlin, DE
Rare vintage Jean Paul Gaultier “Gaultier Jeans” trompe l’oeil cotton pants from the iconic Fall/Winter 1999 collection. Constructed in Italy from 100% cotton, this highly collectibl...
Black short leather trouser CHRISTIAN DIOR
By Christian Dior
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black short leather trouser with black silk lining. Zip and hook&eye closure on the top middle front . Pocket on both side. Zip on the bottom of the legs. Belt-loop. SIZE 38/40
MOSCHINO COUTURE Size 34 Orange Polyester Polyurthane Casual Pants
By Moschino Couture
Located in San Francisco, CA
MOSCHINO COUTURE pants comes in a orange polyester / polyurethane featuring a skinny fit and a zip fly closure. Very Good Pre-Owned Condition. Light marks. As-is. Marked: I 50 / EU...
Moschino Couture Denim Sequins Overalls - Salopette
By Moschino Couture, Moschino
Located in Capri, IT
Clear sequins create a shimmering effect on these casual Moschino overall salopette. A large faux pocket accents the bib, and 4 pockets detail the shorts. Adjustable straps. Button s...
Moschino Couture Drawstring Pants
By Moschino Couture, Moschino
Located in Austin, TX
Moschino Couture creme drawstring pants with pockets. Acetate and Rayon fabric. 25" elastic waist, 26" hips, 27" inseam, 38" length. Condition: Excel...