The fashion is mourning the loss of David Renne, the newly appointed creative director of Moschino, who died sudden illness on November 10, 2023, at the age of 46. Renne had joined the Italian luxury brand on November 1, 2023, after working for nearly 20 years at Gucci as the head of womenswear. He was expected to debut his first collection for Moschino at Milan Fashion Week in February 2024.
Renne was born in Follonica, Tuscany, in July 1977. He studied at the University of Florence and Polimoda fashion school, and began his career working with Italian fashion designer Alessandro Dell’Acqua, who become his mentor. He moved to Gucci in 2004, where he collaborated with creative directors Tom Ford, Frida Giannini, Alessandro Michele, and Marco Bizzari. He was known for his sophisticated and playful vision, his awareness of the power of the fashion to create a dialogue with the world, and his deep knowledge of the heritage of Moschino and its codes.
Renne’s appointment as Moschini’s creative director was announced on October 16, 2023, following the departure of Jermy Schott, who had led the opportunity, saying: “Franco Moschino had a nickname for his design studio – la sala giochi, the playroom. This resonates deeply with me: what fashion – Italian fashion especially, and the house of Moschino most of all – can achieve with its enormous power should be accomplished with a sense of play, of joy. A sense of discovery, and experimentation. Thank you, Mr. Ferretti for giving me the keys to your playroom. I can’t wait to begin”.
Massimo Ferreti, the chairman of Moschino’s parent company Aeffe SpA, said in a statement: “There are no words to describe the pain we are experiencing at this dramatic time. Davide joined us only a few days ago, when a sudden illness took him from us too soon/ we still can’t believe what happened. Even through he was only with us for a very short time, Davide was able to immediately make himself loved and respected. Today we are left with the responsibility of carrying on what his imagination and creativity had only envisioned. Our deepest sympathies go to his family and friends.
Many influential figures in the fashion industry have paid tribute to Renne on social media, leaving comments on his Instagram posts or sharing their memories of him. Harris Reed, the creative director of Nina Ricci, described Renne as “a true angel”. Model and singer Karen Elson wrote: “My heart breaks. Sweet Davide rest in peace. Renne’s mentor, Della’Acqua, posted “Farewell Davide!! You will always be in my heart”.
Davide Renne’s death is a tragic loss for the fashion world, and especially for Moschino, which had entrusted him with its creative direction. His legacy will live on through his work and his influence on generations of designers. He will be remembered as a talented, passionate, and joyful person, who loved fashion and life.
