BRAND PROFILE: MONCLER

Where does the name Moncler come from?

An abbreviation of Monestier-de-Clermont, Moncler started life in a mountain village near Grenoble. The creation of René Ramillon and Andrè Vincent, the pair originally gave life to the infamous down jacket, used by workers to pair over their overalls, the protective garments offered high resistance to the harshest climates and were even put to the test in a variety of expeditions.

Later transitioning into clothing for skiers and mountaineers, Moncler has now made a name for itself both on and off the slopes. 

Where is Moncler clothing made? 

With key pillars of craftsmanship, experience, technology and technicality, The Headquarters of Moncler is based in Milan, Italy.

MONCLER VALUES & PURPOSE

What is the essence behind Moncler?

With a dynamic nature that makes it impossible to stand still, the ever evolving Moncler taps into a world of continuous development and reinvention whilst remaining committed to its roots.

With a commitment to set increasingly challenging milestones and an awareness that every action has impacts on society and the environment, the purpose behind Moncler is to ‘unleash the extraordinary in everybody’.

How many values does Moncler have?

Born in the mountains, designed to protect and able to face extremes, behind Moncler are five core values that define the brand and permeate each collection.

Moncler's five core values:

Push for higher peaks

Inspired by the roots of the brand, Moncler continuously pursues excellence. Never satisfied but in a good way, the label is always willing to learn and redefine the rules.

One house, all voices

In conversation with all generations, Moncler celebrates freedom of expression, encouraging perspectives from everybody. As a result, the brand finds great harmony in diversity.

Embrace crazy

Unique and unconventional, a belief in the power of creativity leads to apparent unattainable ideas turning into brilliant creations.

Be warm

Originally creating clothing to provide warmth from the cold, the label now aims to replicate that with human relationships, celebrating achievements no matter how big or small.

Create and protect tomorrow

Aspiring to be the bearers of change, Moncler looks to be responsible tomorrow. With social and environmental issues continuing to provide challenges, the label aims to provide concrete actions in response.

Who is the Creative Director of Moncler?

Acquiring the label in 2003, Italian entrepreneur Remo Ruffini began a strategy of global expansion in the luxury goods sector. Repositioning the brand, collections began to take on a more distinct and exclusive style with previous products reimagined in a versatile light for use both on and off the piste.

“Our purpose inspires us to keep changing, whilst always retaining the essence that makes us unique. It’s our reason to be: to unleash the extraordinary in everybody.” 

Remo Ruffini, Moncler Chairman and CEO. 

Still the Chairman and CEO of the group, the path Ruffini has undertaken has been coherent and pursued without compromise. Defining the stylistic lines across each collection, he works closely with the group’s stylists. 

Underpinning the brand’s concept of luxury, Ruffini heads Moncler with a philosophy that celebrates tradition, uniqueness, quality, creativity and innovation. Though the label is constantly evolving, the motto “born in the mountains, living in the city” still rings true. 

MONCLER SUB-BRANDS

Moncler is divided into three sub-brands that run parallel with each other. Under the bracket of the Milan based label is: Moncler Collezioni, Moncler Grenoble and Moncler Genius. Breaking the mould of the fashion world, Moncler releases monthly rather than during the typical two-season fashion calendar.

Combining research, innovation and luxury, each Moncler collection reflects the DNA of the brand. Inspired by its core values, clothing responds to the various needs of customers and their multiple uses and lifestyles.

Moncler Collezioni

Each Moncler Collection fuses shapes and functionality. Crafting with innovative materials and constant attention to detail, the brand’s DNA is expressed whilst responding to the multiple needs of its customers.

Moncler Grenoble

Debuting in 2010, Moncler Grenoble is a contemporary skiwear line that caters to winter sports enthusiasts and the fashion conscious. Appearing on the catwalk in New York, styles of the past were reinterpreted with a contemporary take.

A place where the DNA of the brand remains ever present, the label divides its collections into three categories:

High Performance - Products that guarantee maximum performance

Performance & Style - For a sporty consumer who is also attentive to creativity

Après-Ski - For a consumer who prefers garments, albeit sporty, with great stylistic content

For both the aesthetically minded and performance-inclined, the label continues to harmonise leisure with elegance, becoming a laboratory of technologically engineered clothing.

Moncler Genius

As a result of its constant research and continuous open dialogue with its consumers, Moncler Genius was created in 2018. A hub of eight minds that retain individuality, the diffusion line reinterprets the essence of the brand.

Attracting a new legion of fans, the line appeals to those who value the innovation and heritage the brand offers.

A curatorial approach to creation that invites cutting-edge designers to reimagine the label’s codes, the label is a fashion project where the Italian fashion house collaborates with participating designers.

With the motto, ‘One House, Different Voices’ each collaborative collection sees different interpretations and visions of the brand in line with its signature creative energy.

In recent years, Palm Angels, Roc Nation, 1017 ALYX 9SM have worked with the label in a synergistic manner whilst remaining loyal to the roots of the brand.

MONCLER MATERIALS

Made in Europe from the finest internationally sourced materials, each Moncler fabric is carefully selected before it’s expertly crafted. However some of Moncler’s more exclusive and limited collections are made in Italy.

Using Japanese nylon that’s so lightweight yet densely woven that feathers won’t break through, sustainably sourced white goose down offers the very best insulation.

What is Moncler Down?

At the heart of Moncler’s outerwear is goose down fill, with experience and continuous research into the material, the label has unique expertise in this field, so much so that the material is now identified with the brand itself.

For Moncler, “quality” is more than just a material, requiring all its down suppliers to comply with the strict standards of the Down Integrity System & Traceability (DIST) Protocol, the origin of the material and respect for animal welfare is of paramount importance.

What is Gore-Tex?

Designed for great explorers, Moncler crafts some of its signature outerwear pieces from GORE-TEX. A durable fabric, it's water and wind-proof, while remaining exceptionally breathable. Insulated to protect from the cold, your pursuits on the piste, forgages in the forest and hikes on the hills are covered.

What is Nylon Ripstop?

A highly resistant fabric with water-repellent properties, nylon ripstop may be lightweight however it is resilient and hard-wearing. Envisioned for outdoor activities, the fabric is able withstand harsh weather.

MONCLER'S CORE PRODUCTS

What products are Moncler known for?

Moncler Jackets

With expert designs and materials a firm feature, Moncler’s jackets offer cutting-edge insulation and advanced water resistance, making them perfect for the slopes or an evening outdoors. Offering both classic and contemporary iterations, coats appear in an eye-catching glossy shine or monochromatic matte finishes. 

Merging protection and versatility, the label’s range of puffers are built to beat the elements, but without forgetting style. For example, the Maya the Maya Down Jacket, arguably the label’s most iconic piece, is crafted from nylon laqué with iconic boudin quilting, perfectly balancing lightweight comfort with optimal insulation.

For when the rain comes, Moncler’s windbreakers and raincoats are designed with both the slopes and the apres-ski in mind. Take the Grimpeurs jacket for example, crafted from water-repellent nylon, it provides protection from the rain but may need a layer underneath for a touch of warmth.

Moncler Knitwear

Hybrid by design, Moncler’s Down Knit jackets are a firm feature in each collection. Down-filled to ensure warmth, the body is crafted from a feather padded nylon, whilst ribbed knitted sleeves allow for free movement wherever you go. A striking contrast, your transitional wardrobe is covered with this piece that doubles as outerwear during the mid-season.

Moncler Ski Wear

Designed for peak performance, the Moncler Grenoble diffusion line is made for the slopes. With a “sports clothing for the mountain” focus leading to a devoted following, expect durable pieces that fuse performance and style.

With inner layers that keep you warm without bulking you up, finely stitched constructions will protect you from the elements both on and off the slopes.

MONCLER COLLABORATIONS

With the motto, ‘One House, Different Voices’ Moncler Genius sees the label using its signature creative energy to collaborate with some of the fashion world’s most influential fashion brands. In recent years, Palm Angels and Rick Owens have worked with the label.

Moncler X Rick Owens

Where fashion meets futuristic living, Moncler and Rick Owens latest collaboration offers a bold and modern take on clothing that resonates with contemporary lifestyles. With avant-garde designs and a meticulous approach to crafting apparel, the pair work seamlessly together.

Moncler X Palm Angels

Inspired by vintage Americana, the Moncler x Palm Angels Fall 23 collection utilises signature outerwear designs. With expertly crafted signature styles fused into several fun-loving, vibrant designs, the 90’s served as the canvas for the highly anticipated collaboration.

THE FELT PATCH MONCLER LOGO

What is the Moncler Logo?

A felt patch, usually appearing on the sleeve of a product, the Moncler logo is now an icon in its own right. In a semi circular figure, a symbol depicting two mountain peaks also doubles as the label’s M initial. 

What is the inspiration behind the Moncler badge?

Detailed with tricolour accents to reference the label’s place of birth, France, the country's unofficial symbol, the cockerel, is situated behind. The label began using this emblem after becoming the official supplier of the French downhill ski team at the Grenoble Winter Olympics 1968.

MONCLER SIZING

Moncler pieces aren’t just for the season, they are for a lifetime. So before you invest, finding out what size is suited to you is of paramount importance.  Here’s everything you need to know about Moncler’s sizing:

How are Moncler jackets designed to be fit?

Iconic jackets, such as the Maya tends are easier to size as it fits true to size. However lighter coats and gilets such as the Gui and Tibb are crafted with form-fitting shapes, therefore the general consensus is to take a size up, particularly as the sleeves are often cut to quite a short length. 

It is also worth considering how you’ll use the jacket; most of Moncler’s Jackets aren’t made with stretch fabrics so if you’ll be using yours during outdoor activities, specifically skiing, it may be that taking your normal size restricts your movement.

Does Moncler Clothing fit true to size?

No, Moncler’s extensive ranges of polos, t-shirts, and jumpers usually fit small. Arriving in a slim fit we therefore suggest sizing up if this isn't the style for you. Those into streetwear looks may decide to size up one or two sizes for an oversized fit.

What else do you need to consider with Moncler Sizing?

Before selecting a size, considering what you will wear underneath is of paramount importance. If you layer your outfits to stay warm during colder months, sizing up is suggested. With garments that already have a snug fit, layering will restrict your movement, especially down the piste.

If a jacket is insulating, wearing a t-shirt or slim-fit sweater underneath might suffice, in this case your normal size would be appropriate.

How do you care for Moncler Clothing?

For the majority of Moncler Jackets, dry cleaning is recommended, however always refer to the care labels inside your garment for specific cleaning instructions.

If instructed by the care label, items may be cleaned at home, when doing so, pay particular attention to:

• Not overload the washing machine, if washing machine cleaning permitted

• Avoid soaking

• Dry flat

However, furs and leathers should be entrusted to a specialist.

MONCLER STYLING TIPS

Information provided by an UrlfreezeShops Clothing Stylist.

Would you say Moncler is luxury fashion or ready to wear?

It's a combination, Moncler is an Italian luxury fashion house that specialises in ready-to-wear collections of clothing and accessories.

Can Moncler pieces be worn off the ski slope?

Yes, especially Moncler Grenoble, the label’s skiwear line. However it is recommended to not style ski jackets with casual items that do not feel sporty.

How are Moncler’s casual pieces (hoodies, sweats, tees) designed to be worn? Oversized or Fitted?

That all depends on the fit, some pieces have an unusual shape, whilst sportier pieces are designed to be worn with the activity in mind. Overall each casual piece should feel easy and wearable.

Are they any dos and don'ts when it comes to Moncler styling?

When it comes to Moncler, don’t style elevated pieces with blue denim as it’s too casual. It is also worth noting to not style mainline pieces with Grenoble as the logo and or prints may clash. 

Due to the standout nature of the Moncler Badge would you layer the pieces or leave them as standalone pieces?

It's important that any graphics or details be visible when wearing Moncler products so don’t style knitwear or hoodies underneath outerwear. The iconic felt logo patch is no different and should take pride of place whether that’s a tee, jumper or outerwear.

Are Moncler coats/jackets designed with fashion over function?

Function is at the heart of Moncler, designing for peak performance, Moncler is made for the slopes. Rooted in the outdoors, high performance pieces fuse performance and style.

SIMILAR BRANDS TO MONCLER

Mens Brands Like Moncler

Stone Island

Step into the world of Stone Island, where extensive research, continual experimentation and utility reigns supreme. Created in 1982, the label is the brainchild of Massimo Osti, founder of C.P. Company. With a focus on function, expect overshirts, casual jackets, hoodies and sweats all expertly designed but without sacrificing your style.

C.P. Company

Designer Massimo Osti launched C.P. Company in 1971 in order to pursue his fascination with the utility inherent to military uniforms. With a hybrid aesthetic of fusing the functionality of vintage military with fabric innovation, clothing that has unparalleled chromatic depth and intensity has propelled C.P. to the top of the fashion world.

The North Face 

Founded on the motto of ‘Never Stop Exploring’, The North Face has been dominating the outerwear game since 1966. Renowned for adventure staples, either in the city or in the outdoors, the extremely versatile brand produces a range of puffers, lightweight pieces as well as a range of casual  pieces.

Napapijri 

Having originally earned its stripes creating luggage for travellers, Napapijri now produces a vast spectrum of adventure-ready garments. With a premium selection of practical apparel that provides the perfect companion for your long expeditions, each collection aims to excel in its reliability with its choice of high-performance and innovative material.

Womens Brands Like Moncler

arc’teryx 

A new adventure in every season, Arc’teryx gears you up for ambitious treks and easy hikes with its performance outerwear and breathable underlayers. Built for performance in the most extreme conditions, the label’s highly technical garments originated in the rugged Canadian mountains. Continuously innovative with each collection expect exceptional, protective outerwear.

Canada Goose

Originally ‘Metro Sportswear Ltd’ Canada Goose started out creating snowmobile suits and woollen vests. Warm, comfortable and weather-resistant, Canada Goose jackets are designed to resist the coldest conditions on the planet.

Columbia

Igniting your passion for the outdoors, Columbia crafts activewear and accessories with high-tech materials. Driven by an adventurous spirit, the brand’s resilient outerwear, cosy base layers and hiking essentials will help you explore the outdoors in comfort and style.