Moncler

Moncler, an amalgamation of the name Monestier-de-Clermont, a mountain village near Grenoble in France, was founded in 1952 by René Ramillon and André Vincent. Initially, the brand started with producing quilted sleeping bags, tent covers with a telescopic structure, and a single model of a lined hooded cape. The inception of the Moncler down jacket was a pragmatic development, designed to protect workers from the alpine chill.

Moncler’s trajectory shifted dramatically in 1968 when it was chosen as the official supplier for the French national downhill skiing team during the Winter Olympics held in Grenoble. This endorsement solidified Moncler's reputation for creating functional, high-quality outerwear.

In the 1980s, the brand made waves in the fashion industry when it became a staple among the Italian "Paninari" youth subculture. The group was characterized by their love for American and Italian designer brands, and the Moncler jackets became synonymous with this stylish, affluent crowd. This period marked Moncler's transition from purely utilitarian clothing to a luxury fashion statement.

The company faced financial difficulties in the late 1990s but was revitalized in 2003 when Italian entrepreneur Remo Ruffini acquired it. Under Ruffini’s direction, Moncler underwent a strategic rebranding, focusing on innovation and high fashion, while maintaining its practical, alpine roots. The introduction of the Moncler Gamme Rouge and Moncler Gamme Bleu lines showcased collaborations with high-profile designers, including Giambattista Valli and Thom Browne, further embedding the brand in the luxury market.

The 2010s saw Moncler diversifying its product offerings and expanding its global reach, including a successful initial public offering on the Milan Stock Exchange in 2013. Moncler also became known for their high-profile collaborations, embracing partnerships with various designers, artists, and even other brands like Off-White and Valentino through their Moncler Genius project launched in 2018.