Moncler is one of the most famous and successful brands of down jackets and clothing in the world. The company was founded in 1952 in Monestier-de-Clermont, a small village in the French Alps, by René Ramillon. The company started with the production of sleeping bags, tents and jackets to protect workers who worked in the mountains from the cold. Soon after, the first down jackets were developed for mountaineers.
The name Moncler is derived from Monestier-de-Clermont, the place where the company was founded. The logo of Moncler shows a rooster, which is a symbol of France, and the stylized Mont Aiguille, a mountain in the French Alps.
Moncler gained international fame when French mountaineer Lionel Terray wore the brand during his famous mountain climbs. This evolved into the “Moncler pour Lionel Terray” line, which was specifically designed for extreme conditions.
Another milestone for Moncler was outfitting the French ski team at the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble. Moncler jackets were distinguished by their bright colors and innovative design and became a symbol of sportiness and elegance. The jackets were also worn by famous personalities such as Brigitte Bardot and Jackie Kennedy.
In the following decades, Moncler expanded worldwide, opening boutiques in Europe, America and Asia. The company also diversified its range, introducing down jackets as well as clothing, accessories and footwear for men, women and children. However, the company remained true to its alpine DNA and focused on high quality, functionality and style.
In 2003, Moncler was acquired by Italian entrepreneur Remo Ruffini, who redefined the brand’s creative vision. He launched the “Moncler Gamme Rouge” line for women and “Moncler Gamme Bleu” for men, each designed by renowned designers such as Alessandra Facchinetti and Thom Browne. These lines combined Moncler’s technical expertise with the fashion flair of haute couture.
Another innovative project by Ruffini was the launch of “Moncler Genius” in 2018, a series of collaborations with various guest designers such as Pierpaolo Piccioli, Simone Rocha, Craig Green and Richard Quinn, each presenting their own interpretation of Moncler.
Besides its creative excellence, Moncler is also known for its social responsibility. The company is committed to protecting the environment and animals by using sustainable materials, reducing its CO2 emissions and sourcing only certified down. The company also supports various charitable initiatives such as Warmly Moncler, which provides down comforters to children in need.
Moncler is a fashion company with a long history, a strong identity and a visionary strategy. The company has managed to constantly reinvent itself while staying true to its tradition. With its high-quality products, its artistic collaborations and its social commitment, Moncler has conquered a unique place in the fashion world.
