Mossimo
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Sportswear and accessories |
| Founded | 1986 |
| Founder | Mossimo Giannulli |
| Headquarters | Newport Beach, California , United States |
| Products | Shirts, jeans, jackets, socks, underwear, accessories |
| Parent | Iconix Brand Group |
Mossimo was a brand specializing in sportswear and accessories, established in 1986 by designer Mossimo Giannulli and later purchased by Iconix Brand Group in 2006. The label focused on clothing for youth and teenagers, offering items such as shirts, jeans, jackets, socks, underwear, and various accessories.
Establishment (1986) and Growth
The Mossimo brand was created in 1986 by Mossimo Giannulli on Balboa Island located in Newport Beach, California. In 1987, Giannulli left the University of Southern California to concentrate on developing the Mossimo streetwear collection, supported by a $100,000 loan from his father. Within the first year of operation, the company generated $1 million in profits, which increased to $4 million by the subsequent year.
Mossimo clothing gained visibility through its prominent appearance in the 1990 volleyball-themed movie Side Out.
Public Offering (1996) and Target Partnership (2000–2017)
Mossimo became a publicly traded company in 1996 with an initial public offering. However, after an unsuccessful effort to transition from streetwear to high-end fashion, the stock price declined from $50 to $4.75. This prompted Giannulli to reposition the brand toward a more budget-friendly segment. On March 28, 2000, Mossimo entered into a significant multi-product licensing agreement with Target Corporation, valued at $27.8 million. This collaboration continued until 2017 when Target restructured its product lineup and phased out larger brands such as Mossimo.
Following Giannulli’s connection to the 2019 college admissions bribery scandal, Target publicly clarified that it had no affiliation with Giannulli for over ten years and distanced itself from the Mossimo brand. Giannulli and his wife, actress Lori Loughlin, were convicted of paying up to $500,000 to facilitate their daughters’ enrollment at the University of Southern California.
Iconix Acquisition (2006)
In 2006, Iconix Brand Group acquired Mossimo, thereby broadening Iconix’s range of apparel brands.