Milan, Italy: Moschino, the iconic Italian fashion label, marked its 40th anniversary with a spectacular celebration in Milan. The event featured a captivating fashion show curated by four of today’s most influential designers: Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeele, Katie Grand, Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, and Lucia Liu. Instead of dwelling on nostalgia, the celebration highlighted how Franco Moschino, the brand’s founder, was ahead of his time with a highly coveted collection.
Each of the four designers crafted ten distinctive looks, drawing inspiration from the brand’s iconic pieces and the visionary Franco Moschino, who established his fashion house in Milan in 1983. The result was a comprehensive collection that showcased the various facets of the designer’s creativity, including irony, irreverence, chic glamour, flamboyance, and, of course, provocation.
Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeele opened the show with a nod to classic women’s clothing. White double-breasted suits, black dresses, and jumpers paired with jeans exuded a natural chic, blending sophistication with casual comfort. The designer added a touch of sparkle with glittering stones and diamond accents, creating an ultra-cool black and white look.
Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, in the second act, presented a joyful and colorful collection that celebrated inclusivity. Her designs played with various styles, from cowgirl to Andalusian dancer, incorporating lace, knitwear, ruffles, fringes, and shimmering materials in a vibrant array of colors. The collection reinterpreted Franco Moschino’s signature accessories, such as cowboy hats and oversized earrings, with a contemporary twist.
Lucia Liu, the Chinese designer, explored the romantic side of Franco Moschino, juxtaposing lingerie, lace, big bows, transparencies, and feather embellishments with masculine elements like grey flannel jackets. The result was a collection that beautifully blended sensuality and sophistication.
Katie Grand, the British designer known for her eccentric pop aesthetic, celebrated Franco Moschino’s transgressive and political vein by creating a new slogan: “loud luxury.” Her runway featured energetic dancers shedding sweatshirts to reveal sexy black or white underwear, their choreography exuding energy and excitement.
The show concluded on a nostalgic note, with a moving performance of “I Am What I Am” by a violinist from La Scala theater. Ten years ago, Gloria Gaynor had graced the show in person, singing her global hit during Moschino’s 30th-anniversary celebration.
Before the final curtain fell, models took a triumphant walk in jeans and white slogan T-shirts, which were produced in a limited edition and made available for sale at the end of the show. The proceeds from these sales will be directed towards the Elton John AIDS Foundation, reinforcing Moschino’s commitment to philanthropy and social responsibility.
Moschino’s 40th anniversary celebration was not just a fashion show; it was a testament to the enduring legacy of style and innovation that Franco Moschino created four decades ago.