Davide Rein, the Italian fashion designer and former head of womenswear at Gucci, has died nine days after assuming the position of creative director of Moschino. He was 46 years old.
Evi, Moschino’s parent group, confirmed his death on Friday in Milan on November 10. He died of an apparent heart attack, according to sources familiar with the matter.
“There are no words to describe the pain we are experiencing at this dramatic time,” Evi club president Massimo Ferretti said in a statement. “Today, we are left with the responsibility of continuing only what his imagination and creativity envisioned.”
Mr. Ren, who worked at Gucci for 20 years before announcing last month his new role at Moschino, had been working on a first collection that was to be shown at Milan Fashion Week in February. A beloved figure in the world of Italian fashion and the right-hand man of former Gucci designer Alessandro Michele, he had spoken of his happiness at being appointed to a “dream role” at the helm of one of the most famous names in the world of Italian fashion. .
“My dear friend, my inseparable brother, so much love,” Mr. Michel wrote in an Instagram post on Friday. “What an amazing and unforgettable journey we have had together. So much laughter and pure joy.
He described Mr Ren as “one of the most talented creatives I’ve ever known”, adding: “I can’t help but cry so hard for you right now.”
The brand was founded in 1983 by Franco Moschino, who was known for his quirky and innovative sense of humor and innovative approach to design. It is a legacy that his successors have continued, and one that Mr. Ren seemed keen to explore. He succeeds American designer Jeremy Scott, who left the brand last March.
“Franco Moschino had a nickname for his design studio: la sala giochi — the game room,” Mr. Ren said upon his appointment. “This resonates deeply with me: what fashion – Italian fashion in particular, and Moschino in particular – can achieve with its immense power, must be achieved through a sense of play and joy. Thank you for giving me the keys to the playroom. I can’t wait to get started.” “
