Adrian Appiolaza Part Ways With Moschino
Moschino and creative director Adrian Appiolaza have officially parted ways, bringing an end to the designer’s tenure at the Italian fashion house after less than two years at the helm.
The departure, announced Friday evening, was described by the brand as a mutual decision and takes effect immediately. The move comes as Moschino’s parent company, Aeffe SpA, continues to navigate significant financial challenges and an ongoing corporate restructuring process.
Massimo Ferretti, Executive Chairman of Aeffe, thanked Appiolaza for his contributions to the brand, stating, “We are grateful for Adrian’s significant contribution to the development of Moschino over the past two years and wish him every success in his future endeavors.”
Appiolaza, who presented his debut Moschino collection in February 2024, reflected positively on his time at the house.
“I was given a remarkable opportunity to express my creativity for an important Italian brand with an extraordinary creative heritage,” he said. “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.”
While Moschino confirmed that a successor will be announced at a later date, speculation is already mounting within industry circles. Reports from Milan suggest that Sunnei founders and designers Simone Rizzo and Loris Messina have recently been seen at the brand’s headquarters, though Moschino has declined to comment on the rumors.
Before joining Moschino, Appiolaza built an impressive résumé across some of luxury fashion’s most influential houses. The Argentinian designer spent nearly a decade as women’s ready-to-wear design director at Loewe, working closely with creative director Jonathan Anderson. His previous roles included design director at Chloé under Clare Waight Keller, senior designer at Louis Vuitton under Marc Jacobs, and positions at Miu Miu, Alexander McQueen, and Miguel Adrover.
Appiolaza took over creative leadership at Moschino following the tragic death of Davide Renne in November 2023. Renne had only recently been appointed after the departure of longtime creative director Jeremy Scott.
The leadership change arrives during a turbulent period for Aeffe. The Italian luxury group, which also owns Alberta Ferretti and Pollini, is currently undergoing a restructuring process aimed at stabilizing its business. Earlier this year, the company disclosed that it had received a preliminary, non-binding proposal from investment firm Oxy Capital to support a corporate turnaround.
According to the proposal, Aeffe’s business assets could be transferred to entities controlled by a consortium of industrial and financial investors led by Oxy Capital. If completed, the transaction would significantly reduce the company’s debt burden while reshaping its corporate structure.
The financial pressures facing the group have been substantial. For the first nine months of 2025, Aeffe reported revenues of €155 million, representing a 25.4 percent decline compared to the same period a year earlier. The company also posted losses before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization of €11.9 million, while net debt climbed to €114.9 million.
As Moschino prepares to enter a new chapter, the fashion industry will be closely watching who emerges as the next creative force tasked with guiding one of Italy’s most recognizable luxury brands through a period of transition and renewal.
Photos Credit: Adrian Appiolaza’s Instagram
