Moschino, Franco

(1950-1994)

   Born in Abbiategrasso, Italy, Moschino studied art at Milan's Academia di Belle Arti di Brera. In 1971, he worked as a sketcher for Versace and from there went on to design for other Italian manufacturers: Blumarine, Aspesi, Cadette, and Cassoli. In 1983, he started his own company under his own name, renamed it Moonshadow and then reverted back to Moschino. He created some of the most hilarious clothes, while maintaining a concern for social justice. His fashion shows were media events and his store windows were provocative. In 1986, he launched a men's line called Uomo, then launched a secondary line, called Cheap & Chic, in 1988. He went on to launch a jeans line in 1986 and his Diffusion line in 1989. Moschino died from AIDS in 1994. Aeffe S.p.A. took over ownership of the company. The creative director and Moschino's best friend, Rossalla Jardini, then took responsibility for continuing the company's growth and direction.