Jeremy Scott, Moschino’s Creative Director, has recently announced his departure from the Italian luxury fashion house. He had been at the helm for a decade, during which he injected irreverence and pop culture into the brand’s collections. His debut in 2014 focused on American consumerism, featuring McDonald’s, Hershey’s, Budweiser, and Spongebob Squarepants branding on the runway – a debut that caught eyes.
Known for his theatrical productions and playful take on the zeitgeist, Scott’s designs were unmatched, especially for high-profile events such as the Super Bowl halftime show and the Met Gala red carpet.
Scott revived Moschino, which experienced a decline after founder Franco Moschino’s death in 1994. His reimagining of everyday branded items as Moschino accessories was a particular hit. His final collection in February 2024 was more subdued than his previous seasons, showcasing models wearing skirt suits, knits, chunky gold jewelry, and sky-high mohawks.
Scott led Moschino alongside his eponymous label, but he has not presented new collections independently since 2019. He has not announced his next steps or whether he will revive his label, but his unmistakable aesthetic is sure to remain.
In his statement, Scott expressed pride in the legacy he is leaving behind. He told CNN last fall that “There’s so much negativity that we have to process, but we must hold space for joy.” Scott treated Moschino’s runways like a stage or cinema set, even building smoke machines into his gowns. He believed that creating characters for his shows was essential, and he talked to his models to get them in the mood. He wanted people to have fun at his shows and always exceeded expectations.
Scott’s departure marks the end of an era for Moschino, a brand that he helped to reinvent and reshape over the past decade. He was the third designer to lead the label, following in the footsteps of the legendary Franco Moschino and Rossella Jardini, both of whom made significant contributions to the brand’s aesthetic legacy. However, Scott brought his unique vision to the table, one that was infused with a playful and irreverent approach to fashion.
Jeremy Scott’s Vision
During his tenure, Scott introduced a series of highly successful collaborations, including partnerships with Hennes & Mauritz, Mattel, and The Sims. He also introduced a series of innovative pop culture-infused designs, including the highly coveted Happy Meal handbags, cleaning spray bottle phone cases, and Barbie capsule collection. Scott’s influence on Moschino’s aesthetic direction was palpable, and his departure is sure to leave a significant impact on the brand’s future.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Scott managed to keep Moschino relevant and vibrant, continuing to push the boundaries of fashion and design. His final collection, which was showcased during Milan Fashion Week in February, was a testament to his creativity and vision, featuring a mix of classic and contemporary elements that epitomized his unique style.
While Scott’s departure is surely a loss for Moschino, it also marks a new beginning for the brand. As the fashion industry continues to evolve, Moschino will need to adapt and innovate to stay relevant, building on the legacy that Scott helped to create. With a new creative director yet to be announced, the fashion world eagerly awaits to see who will take up the mantle and continue to push the boundaries of fashion and design.
