Mossimo Giannulli is a name that resonates in both the fashion industry and popular culture, not only for his successful clothing brand but also for his high-profile marriage to actress Lori Loughlin and their involvement in the 2019 college admissions scandal. This article delves into the life, career, and personal journey of Mossimo Giannulli, shedding light on his rise in the fashion world, his family life, and the challenges he has faced.
Early Life and Education
Born Massimo Giannulli on June 4, 1963, in Los Angeles, California, Mossimo grew up in a family of Italian descent. His father, Gene, was an architect, and his mother, Nancy, was a homemaker. Raised in Encino, California, Giannulli showed an early interest in entrepreneurship and fashion.
After high school, he attended the University of Southern California (USC), studying business and architecture. However, his time at USC was brief; he left the university to pursue his passion for fashion design. Notably, Giannulli later admitted to misrepresenting his college education, having used tuition money from his father to fund his budding clothing business.
The Rise of the Mossimo Brand
In 1986, with a $100,000 loan from his father, Giannulli founded the Mossimo clothing company on Balboa Island in Newport Beach, California. Initially focusing on beachwear and streetwear, the brand quickly gained popularity among young consumers. In its first year, Mossimo grossed $1 million, and by the second year, sales had quadrupled.
The brand expanded its offerings to include a wide range of apparel, including jeans, jackets, and accessories. In 1996, Mossimo went public, and although the company faced challenges transitioning into high fashion, a significant licensing agreement with Target in 2000 revitalized the brand. This partnership made Mossimo products widely accessible, solidifying its place in mainstream American fashion.
Personal Life and Marriage to Lori Loughlin
Giannulli met actress Lori Loughlin in the mid-1990s, and the couple married on Thanksgiving Day in 1997. Together, they have two daughters, Isabella Rose and Olivia Jade. Giannulli also has a son, Gianni, from a previous relationship.
The family resided in Los Angeles, where they were active in social and philanthropic circles. Loughlin, known for her role as Aunt Becky on “Full House,” and Giannulli were considered a power couple, balancing careers in entertainment and fashion.
The College Admissions Scandal
In 2019, Giannulli and Loughlin became central figures in the nationwide college admissions scandal, known as “Operation Varsity Blues.” They were accused of paying $500,000 to fraudulently secure their daughters’ admissions to USC as crew team recruits, despite neither participating in the sport.
Initially pleading not guilty, the couple later accepted a plea deal in May 2020. Giannulli was sentenced to five months in prison, fined $250,000, and required to complete 250 hours of community service. He began his sentence in November 2020 at a federal prison in Lompoc, California, and was released to home confinement in April 2021.
Life After the Scandal
Following their release, Giannulli and Loughlin sought to rebuild their lives. They sold their Bel-Air estate and purchased a new home in Hidden Hills, California. Loughlin returned to acting, appearing in various television projects, while Giannulli has maintained a lower public profile.
Their daughters, Isabella and Olivia, have also resumed their public lives. Olivia, a social media influencer, returned to her YouTube channel and participated in “Dancing with the Stars,” while Isabella pursued acting and launched a podcast.
Legacy and Reflection
Mossimo Giannulli’s journey from a young entrepreneur to a successful fashion designer is marked by innovation and resilience. Despite the setbacks from the college admissions scandal, his impact on the fashion industry remains significant. The Mossimo brand, once a staple in American retail, reflects his vision of accessible and stylish clothing.
As Giannulli continues to navigate life post-scandal, his story serves as a complex narrative of ambition, success, and the consequences of choices. It underscores the importance of integrity and the enduring possibility of redemption.
FAQs: Mossimo Giannulli – The Life and Legacy of Lori Loughlin’s Husband
1. Who is Mossimo Giannulli?
Mossimo Giannulli is an American fashion designer best known for founding the Mossimo clothing brand and for being the husband of actress Lori Loughlin.
2. What is Mossimo Giannulli known for?
He is known for his successful fashion brand “Mossimo,” which became a household name in the 1990s, and for his involvement in the 2019 college admissions scandal.
3. When did Mossimo Giannulli and Lori Loughlin get married?
The couple married on Thanksgiving Day in 1997.
4. Do Mossimo and Lori have children?
Yes, they have two daughters together, Isabella Rose and Olivia Jade. Mossimo also has a son, Gianni, from a previous relationship.
5. What was Mossimo Giannulli’s role in the college admissions scandal?
He and Lori Loughlin paid $500,000 to secure their daughters’ admissions to USC as fake athletic recruits. He served five months in prison as part of a plea deal.
6. Was Mossimo Giannulli in college himself?
He briefly attended the University of Southern California but left to pursue his fashion business. He later admitted to misrepresenting his education history.
7. What happened to the Mossimo clothing brand?
The brand gained massive popularity and partnered with Target in 2000. It was eventually phased out as Target restructured its fashion lines.
8. What is Mossimo Giannulli doing now?
Since serving his sentence, he has maintained a relatively low profile. He and Lori Loughlin have focused on rebuilding their lives privately.
9. Where do Mossimo and Lori live now?
They sold their Bel-Air home and purchased a new residence in the Hidden Hills area of California.
10. What is Mossimo’s legacy in fashion?
Despite legal controversies, Mossimo Giannulli remains recognized for making affordable streetwear mainstream and for pioneering licensing deals in fashion retail.