Davide Renne, the creative director who recently joined Moschino, died at 46, just ten days after taking on responsibility for the collections. The news came from a formal statement issued by the company earlier today. There are no words adequate to express the shock and sorrow felt in these moments. Renne joined the Italian fashion house only a short time ago, and a sudden illness claimed him very swiftly, according to Massimo Ferretti, chairman of the AEFFE group and owner of Moschino and Alberta Ferretti, who shared his condolences on social media. The specific cause of death was not disclosed.
Born in Tuscany in 1977, Renne was appointed Moschino’s new creative director last month, succeeding the end of a decade-long term by the American designer Jeremy Scott. His appointment was publicly announced to take effect immediately, with his first collection anticipated for the Milan runway during the autumn/winter 2024 season. The use of the Milan Fashion Week platform would have offered a stage to present his vision for the house’s next chapter.
Ferreti indicated that Renne had already begun work on “an ambitious project,” describing an atmosphere of enthusiasm and optimism about the future and promising to bring to life the ideas he had previously expressed. He emphasized the responsibility of the studio to translate Renne’s imagination into tangible designs that could resonate with Moschino’s audience and the broader fashion community. The statement extended heartfelt condolences to Renne’s family and loved ones, underscoring the company’s respect for his memory.
Renne’s career in fashion began more than twenty years ago. He started with Italian stylist Alessandro Dell’Acqua, then moved to Gucci’s women’s atelier before arriving at Moschino this month. His diverse background and experience across Italian fashion houses were seen as a potential catalyst for fresh perspectives at the brand, which is known for its bold, irreverent approach to luxury. The industry now watches closely to understand how Moschino will honor Renne’s legacy while pursuing innovative pathways under new leadership.
In the wake of this development, analysts and commentators have reflected on the implications for Moschino’s creative direction, marketing strategies, and consumer relationships. The fashion house historically blends wit with a strong sense of Italian style, and Renne’s short tenure raises questions about how his approach may influence the house’s ongoing collections, retail storytelling, and sustainability commitments. Observers note that the autumn/winter 2024 season would have been a critical moment to showcase a cohesive vision; with Renne’s unexpected passing, the brand may adjust its schedule and messaging to honor continuity while signaling new creativity.
The industry-wide response has been one of sympathy for Renne’s family and colleagues, paired with curiosity about the next steps at Moschino. Ferreti’s remarks highlight a shared belief in Renne’s talent and in the potential for momentum despite the tragedy. Fans and partners are reminded of the human side of fashion, where leadership changes can coincide with rapid shifts in collections, collaborations, and branding strategies. The coming weeks are expected to reveal further details about the project Renne was developing and how the house plans to proceed with public presentations and press communications. [Source: AEFFE Group press release, with industry analysis attributed to fashion media]