Rossella jardini biography sampler

Rossella Jardini, the creative director of Moschino, is filled with beguiling surprises — just like the fun-loving Italian ready-to-wear label she oversees. The first thing she wants to make clear: She's not a designer. What she has done is transform the Moschino brand into its modern incarnation after the death of the Milan company's founder and her great friend, Franco Moschino, from AIDS in Though she may not put pen to drawing board, she supervises a talented group of designers, window dressers, and image makers for the house.

But it is her unique eye that has specifically kept the witty spirit of Moschino alive, and a glance at her whimsical apartment shows her good taste — and eccentric style — at work. Jardini lives on Milan's very exclusive Viale Majno, home to some of the city's most celebrated residents. Donatella Versace lives across the street. She may have the posh address, but Jardini's a do-it-yourself kind of lady: She bustles around Milan in her tiny Fiat Panda.

Her unconventionality is refreshing for Milan. She cohabits with her companion of 20 years, Piero Mocarelli, and wears five rings on her wedding finger even though she is not married. In fact, she could use it.

Longhitano was introduced to Coppola's work by a stylish aunt; Jardini, who is best known for her years at Moschino, was a collector of this.

Come spring, she won't have to do much shopping, though, as most of her wardrobe has the same interesting volume and shapes seen on the runways. But she is a great lover of a uniform. For work, it's tailored pants and a man's shirt — Moschino signatures — with loads of gold jewelry. And at night, she relies on two shirtdress styles one long, one short, both in silk that she has in four colors each, including her favorite color, chartreuse.