Italian fashion house Moschino announced on June 21 that it has appointed Loris Messina and Simone Rizzo as its new Creative Directors. The duo, best known as the founders and Creative Directors of Sunnei, will now oversee the creative direction of the brand.
The announcement comes just two days after Moschino confirmed the departure of Adrian Appiolaza from his role as Creative Director on June 19. At the time, the house stated that a successor would be announced in due course. The appointment of Messina and Rizzo marks a swift transition into a new creative chapter for the brand.
Summary
- Moschino appoints Loris Messina and Simone Rizzo as its new Creative Directors
- The duo are best known as the founders and Creative Directors of Milan-based contemporary label Sunnei
- The announcement comes just two days after Adrian Appiolaza’s departure from the house
- Massimo Ferretti highlighted the pair’s contemporary vision, cultural sensibility, and ability to develop distinctive creative languages
- Messina and Rizzo emphasized their admiration for Franco Moschino’s legacy and their intention to bring that spirit into the present day
- Their debut collection for Moschino will be unveiled during Milan Fashion Week in September 2026
Sunnei Founders Take the Helm at Moschino
Messina and Rizzo co-founded Milan-based contemporary label Sunnei, earning recognition for their experimental approach, sense of humor, and community-driven vision. Having led the brand creatively until September 2025, the pair now step into one of Italian fashion’s most recognizable houses.
Their first collection for Moschino is scheduled to debut during Milan Fashion Week in September 2026.
Massimo Ferretti, Executive Chairman of AEFFE S.p.A., commented on the appointment: “In the evolution of a fashion house, the ability to balance identity and innovation is essential. Loris Messina and Simone Rizzo possess the qualities required to embrace this challenge: a contemporary creative vision, a deep cultural sensibility and the ability to develop relevant and distinctive creative languages. We are confident that their contribution will further strengthen Moschino and support its growth in the years ahead”.
Continuing Franco Moschino’s Legacy
The newly appointed Creative Directors paid tribute to the house’s founder, Franco Moschino (Franco Moschino), whose irreverent and critical approach helped define the brand’s identity.
Messina and Rizzo stated: “We have always admired Franco Moschino’s ability to challenge conventions through creativity while maintaining a clear and consistent voice. It is a rare quality.
Moschino has always embodied this attitude as a cultural house driven by a strong, recognizable and radical point of view, using pop culture as a critical tool rather than merely an aesthetic language.
Taking on the Creative Direction of the House means embracing this legacy and projecting it into the present, reinforcing its relevance and its ability to shape the contemporary cultural imagination”.
From the Appiolaza Era to a New Chapter
Prior to this announcement, Moschino confirmed on June 19 that Adrian Appiolaza would step down from his role as Creative Director following a mutual agreement between both parties. Appiolaza had overseen the creative direction of the house for more than two years.
Reflecting on his departure, Appiolaza stated: “I was given a remarkable opportunity to express my creativity for an important Italian brand with an extraordinary creative heritage such as Moschino. I am grateful to AEFFE, and in particular to Massimo Ferretti, for this opportunity. I would also like to thank the entire creative team with whom I shared this intense experience”.
As luxury brands increasingly seek to balance heritage with contemporary relevance, Moschino’s latest leadership change signals a renewed focus on evolving the brand while preserving its distinctive identity. The speed with which the new appointments were announced also suggests that Aeffe had already established a clear creative direction for the house’s next phase.
With their debut collection set for September 2026, the industry will be watching closely to see how Messina and Rizzo reinterpret Moschino’s legacy for a new generation.
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