In a poignant turn of events, the fashion world mourns the untimely demise of the esteemed Italian designer, Davide Renne. Tragically, only nine days after assuming the prestigious role of creative director at Moschino, Renne, aged 46, passed away. The cause of this loss remains shrouded in mystery, with Moschino's parent company, Aeffe, citing "a sudden illness" as the contributing factor. The designer breathed his last in Milan on a somber Friday, leaving the industry in shock and disbelief.
Davide Renne's illustrious career saw him at the helm of women’s wear at Gucci for nearly two decades, contributing significantly to the brand's legacy. Aeffe's chairman, grappling with the profound sorrow, remarked, "There are no words to describe the pain we are experiencing at this dramatic time." Despite his brief tenure at Moschino, Renne managed to captivate hearts, earning love and respect in a remarkably short span.
Massimo Ferretti, chairman of Aeffe, shared a poignant tribute on Instagram, stating, "Even though 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."
Davide Renne, born in Follonica, Tuscany, in July 1977, embarked on his fashion journey with studies at both the University of Florence and Polimoda fashion school. His early career unfolded alongside Italian fashion designer Alessandro Dell’Acqua, and in 2004, he made a significant move to Gucci, where he left an indelible mark.
The announcement of Renne's appointment as Moschino’s creative director in October brought anticipation and excitement to the industry. Scheduled to unveil his inaugural collection at Milan Fashion Week in February, Renne spoke passionately about Franco Moschino's perspective on the design studio as a playroom—a sentiment that resonated deeply with him. "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," he expressed.
The sudden loss reverberated throughout the fashion community, prompting an outpouring of tributes on social media. Influential figures such as Harris Reed, creative director of Nina Ricci, and model-singer Karen Elson shared heartfelt condolences. Renne’s mentor, Alessandro Dell’Acqua, bid farewell on Instagram: “Farewell Davide!! You will always be in my heart.”
In this moment of sorrow, the fashion industry reflects on the profound impact of Davide Renne's creative spirit and envisions a future where his legacy continues to inspire and shape the world of design.