Italian fashion house Moschino announced on June 19 that Creative Director Adrian Appiolaza will be stepping down from his role. The brand has not yet named a successor, stating that an announcement will be made in the coming months.
Summary
- Moschino announced the departure of Creative Director Adrian Appiolaza on June 19.
- Appiolaza joined the house in January 2024 following the sudden passing of Davide Renne and played a key role in guiding the brand through a period of transition.
- During his tenure, he reinterpreted Franco Moschino’s creative legacy through a more refined approach to tailoring, craftsmanship, and product-focused design.
- The announcement comes as parent company Aeffe continues its broader restructuring efforts and management reorganization.
- While no successor has been officially named, industry speculation has linked Sunnei co-founders Loris Messina and Simone Rizzo to the role.
Appiolaza was appointed Creative Director in January 2024. During his tenure, he sought to reinterpret the legacy of founder Franco Moschino, combining the house’s signature wit and irreverence with a more refined approach to tailoring and product development.
Commenting on his departure, Massimo Ferretti, Executive Chairman of Aeffe S.p.A., said: “I would like to thank Adrian Appiolaza for his significant contribution to the development of Moschino over the past few years and wish him every success in his future professional endeavors.”
Appiolaza also shared a statement: “I was given a great opportunity to express my creativity for a brand with an incredible creative heritage. I am grateful to Aeffe for this opportunity, particularly to Massimo Ferretti, and I would like to thank the entire creative team with whom I shared this intense experience.”
Taking the Helm During a Challenging Period
Appiolaza’s appointment came at a particularly difficult moment in Moschino’s history.
In 2023, the brand announced the departure of Jeremy Scott, who had led the creative direction of the house for a decade. His successor, Davide Renne, a highly respected designer who had spent years at Gucci, was expected to usher in a new chapter for the brand.
Tragically, Renne passed away in November 2023, only days after assuming the role and before presenting his first collection. His sudden death left Moschino facing an unexpected leadership crisis.
It was under these circumstances that Appiolaza stepped in. Born in Argentina in 1972, he spent a decade at LOEWE as Design Director of Womenswear, working closely alongside Jonathan Anderson. Prior to that, he held the same role at Chloé under Clare Waight Keller and also gained experience at Louis Vuitton and Miu Miu.
Reinterpreting the Moschino Archive
Throughout his tenure, Appiolaza sought to honor the creative codes established by Franco Moschino while presenting them through a more contemporary lens.
Rather than focusing on the theatrical spectacle that defined much of the Jeremy Scott era, he revisited the house’s extensive archives and emphasized craftsmanship, tailoring, and product-focused design. His collections reflected a desire to reconnect with the brand’s foundations while translating its irreverent spirit for a modern luxury audience.
His debut collection paid tribute to archive pieces from the 1980s and 1990s, highlighting the enduring relevance of Moschino’s original creative vision. Though his tenure was relatively brief, Appiolaza played a key role in shaping the brand’s post-Scott identity.
Creative Changes Amid Aeffe’s Restructuring
The announcement also comes against the backdrop of wider changes within Aeffe.
Earlier this month, the group appointed Riccardo Bagolin as General Manager as part of a broader restructuring effort. Together with Chief Restructuring Officer Stefano Falliti, he is expected to lead initiatives aimed at strengthening profitability and repositioning the group for future growth.
As one of Aeffe’s most recognizable brands, Moschino’s next creative appointment could have implications not only for the house itself but also for the group’s broader strategic direction.
Who Will Lead Moschino Next?
Following Appiolaza’s departure, industry attention has already turned to the question of succession.
According to several international media reports, Sunnei co-founders Loris Messina and Simone Rizzo have emerged as potential candidates for the role. The Milan-based duo has gained recognition for their unconventional fashion presentations and innovative approach to brand-building in the digital era.
Should either designer take the position, Moschino could enter another period of creative transformation while continuing to build upon the humor and rebellious spirit that have defined the brand since its founding.
For now, however, these reports remain speculative. Moschino has not officially commented on potential successors, leaving the industry to wait for what may be one of the most closely watched creative appointments in Italian fashion.
Copyright © 2026 Oui Speak Fashion. All rights reserved.
Oui Speak Fashion (OSF)® is a New York-based Global Fashion, Beauty & Luxury Business Media Platform.