Mossimo Giannulli

Mossimo Giannulli is an American fashion designer best known for founding the clothing brand Mossimo in 1986.

Mossimo Giannulli is an American fashion designer best known for founding the clothing brand Mossimo in 1986. The brand grew into a major apparel label sold widely in the United States, particularly through a long-running licensing partnership with Target. He later became widely known for his involvement in the 2019 U.S. college admissions scandal.

Early life and education

Mossimo Giannulli was born on June 4, 1963, in Los Angeles, California, under the birth name Massimo Giannulli. He attended the University of Southern California before leaving to start his business, though details on his early education vary across accounts.

Mossimo brand

Giannulli founded the Mossimo clothing company in 1986, initially associated with surf and streetwear style. The company later expanded, went public in the 1990s, and became widely known through its licensing deal with Target, which began in 2000.

Sale of the company

In 2006, Giannulli sold Mossimo to Iconix Brand Group. After the sale, the Mossimo name continued as a licensed brand rather than as an independent company controlled by Giannulli.

College admissions scandal

Giannulli and his wife, Lori Loughlin, were charged in the U.S. college admissions bribery case known as Operation Varsity Blues. He later pleaded guilty and was sentenced to five months in prison, supervised release, a fine, and community service. He served his prison sentence from November 2020 to April 2021.