Let's head to Monestier-de-Clermont, the birthplace of the Moncler brand, named after a shortened version of this small village in Isère. Founded in 1952 by René Ramillon and André Vincent, the company first entered the outdoor leisure equipment sector selling camping tents with telescopic structures and sleeping bags with lined hoods. The first padded jackets, which earned the label its renown, were originally designed to protect factory employees from the cold. They quickly caught the attention of French mountaineer, Lionel Terray, who put their heat-insulating properties to the test on his expeditions to the Nepalese peaks. In 1968, Moncler became the official supplier for the French ski team at the Olympic Games, who went on to win eight medals that year. This high-profile event helped boost the brand's recognition. In the 1980s, Italians were infatuated with the label's signature jacket designs, which became a hallmark of Milanese youth known as the Paninari; the first step in bringing a garment primarily reserved to a mountain climate into new contexts.
In 2003, this historically French label travelled to the other side of the Alps, appointing Lombardy-born Remo Ruffini at its helm. He introduced a new, more fitted silhouette, elevating the iconic padded jacket to a must-have fashion piece. Finishes are crafted to perfection including special fill, straps and lapels, and PVC zips to prevent cold-related injuries. What's more, this flagship model is available in an extensive range of colours, punctuated with detailing in luxurious materials such as tulle, rhinestones and cashmere with graphic quilting. However, Moncler has no plans to limit itself to just one product, no matter how successful it may be. In addition to jumpsuits, parkas and other winter sports gear, the brand produces entire collections of trousers, t-shirts, shoes and accessories, suitable for both mountain and city living. Numerous collaborations with talented designers such as Junya Watanabe, Simone Rocha and Giambattista Valli present new opportunities to constantly vary their signature style under the Moncler Genius label. To reach the peaks of elegance, this luxury padded is unmatched.
