WORDS BY STEPHEN YU, ADDITIONAL WORDS BY NERYS D’ESCLERCS
Moncler is the true definition of form and function. Its pieces are designed to survive the harshest of weather conditions, yet it also has its finger firmly on the pulse of what people want to wear now. Its Moncler Genius collections offer collaborations with some of the industry’s biggest names — think Palm Angels, Craig Green and Rick Owens — and push the boundaries of design and technology. These wardrobe staples effortlessly transition from snowy mountains to city streets, while keeping you warm and dry. Here’s everything you need to know about the brand, its latest 2 Moncler 1952 collection, and how to take care of your next winter investment.
Moncler history
Moncler started as a sleeping bag company in Monestier-de-Clermont in 1952, taking inspiration for its name from the French alpine village. The sleeping bags were renowned for their durability and quickly became sought after among mountain holiday-goers. Building on this functionality, Moncler’s first foray into down jackets was actually made for the workers in its small factory. However, it wasn’t until a collaboration with famous French mountaineer Louis Terray and the subsequent formation of a performance line ‘Moncler pour Lionel Terray’ — a complete range of expedition equipment — that the brand as we know it today was formed. Since then, the now Italian-owned outerwear stalwarts have equipped expeditions up K2, Makalu and French downhill ski teams, as well as the world’s first lone expedition to the South Pole.
In the 1980s, Moncler’s down jackets began to take on the iconic look that survives to this day: original stitching, metallic lacquered finish in a range of colors, buttons instead of zips and a range of fur trims, satin finishes and reversible fabrics.
Never one to stand still, Moncler has proven itself to be continually relevant with the now-discontinued Thom Browne-designed Gamme Bleu range, and the launch of its Genius brand that is produced in collaboration with prolific designers including Palm Angels, Simone Rocha, Craig Green, Hiroshi Fujiwara and Rick Owens. Moncler Genius is a project where the world’s leading designers are invited to reinterpret and experiment with Moncler’s identity on a monthly basis.
The latest collaboration with Moncler Genius comes courtesy of FARFETCH, as we present an exclusive livestream event called The Green Room, where our host, writer Raven Smith, is joined by editorial director Emma Hope Allwood to unpack the inspirations behind the pieces of the latest 2 Moncler 1952 collection. Watch it all here.
The 2 Moncler 1952 collection
With both men’s and women’s lines — designed respectively by Sergio Zambon and Veronica Leoni — the new 2 Moncler 1952 collection blends performance details with a fashion-forward approach. Here, our senior fashion editors Luke Raymond and Celenie Seidel talk through the key highlights.
The men’s pieces draw inspiration from Tokyo, where a fast-paced lifestyle requires functional details, elevated via trend-led updates such as pops of color. ‘Sergio Zambon worked with Nigerian artist Karo Akpokiere on the collection’s statement prints, featuring comic-like logos and newsprints from 1952,’ explains Luke Raymond. ‘Bold and bright color-block shades seen across padded gilets, while T-shirts and trousers tap into the joyful mood of the season.’
Similarly, the women’s range seeks to utilize technical details to add functionality to modern, everyday pieces. ‘[Veronica] Leoni speaks to our dual craving to stay in and go out with metallic knitted separates, cocooning outerwear and statement oversized gloves,’ notes Celenie Seidel. ‘From roomy backpacks to wear-anywhere cross-body bags, the new collection’s accessories rival the clothes in practicality and purposefulness.’
Where is Moncler made?
Moncler is made in Europe using the finest internationally sourced materials, from Japanese nylon that’s so lightweight yet densely woven that feathers never break through it, to sustainably sourced white goose down that offers the very best insulation. Some of Moncler’s more exclusive and limited collections are made in Italy.
How to care for and wash your Moncler pieces
Can you wash Moncler jackets? The short answer is yes. While we recommend you follow the brand’s official care instructions, which explicitly state ‘dry clean only’, if you’re very careful you can wash your Moncler jacket at home by following the below guidelines.
Spot treatment:
Spot-treat stains with a mild detergent as soon as possible.
Machine washing:
Remove any detachable collars, hoods or belts from the jacket prior to washing to prevent snagging. Place the jacket inside a mesh laundry bag to protect it from rubbing against the drum of the washing machine or zippers and buttons of other items. Set the machine to a cold wash and a delicate cycle, and ensure you use a down-specific detergent. Although you can use a regular detergent, over time it may degrade any water-repellent finishes or down.
Hand washing:
If you have a large enough basin or container, hand washing is a safe alternative to machine washing. If you do opt for this, we recommend you still put your jacket through a short spin cycle to help remove excess water.
Drying:
The sight of your flat and deflated Moncler jacket after washing can cause panic, but simply follow these steps to get it looking voluminous and puffy again.
Tumble drying:
For down jackets with higher fill ratings, we recommend using a tumble dryer over air drying. This prevents the down filling from clumping together, which retains moisture and allows mildew to grow inside the jacket. Use a low heat setting and a delicate cycle, and use dryer balls or tennis balls to help redistribute the feathers and down filling.
Air drying:
Moncler’s more lightweight jackets can be air-dried if you live in a low humidity environment. Ensure you hang them up unzipped on a drying rack or rail to ensure maximum airflow and help speed up drying. However, air drying is unlikely to restore the fluffiness of the down filling, so we recommend tumble drying on a no-heat setting for around 10 minutes to help it retain its shape.
Storing:
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Always clean and allow to dry thoroughly before storing.
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Store in a dark, moisture-free environment
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Use a hanger and breathable dust bag.
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Don’t stuff into an overfilled wardrobe or closet – this bunches up the down feathers to create an uneven fill and shape.
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Hang vertically to keep them soft and protect them from dust.
Moncler size guide
Moncler is renowned for being the most luxurious fashion brand in the outerwear market, which means its jackets are cut slimmer and sharper than its more functionality-focused counterparts like Canada Goose. Here are some important points to consider before making a purchase:
- For the most accurate sizing, we recommend you take the measurements from one of your existing jackets to compare them with the above sizing chart.
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With such a form-fitting shape, the general consensus on Moncler jacket sizing is to take a size up, particularly as the sleeves are often cut quite short.
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Think about how insulating your jacket is and the climate where you live. If your winters are extremely cold or your jacket has a low fill rating, you might need to wear multiple layers of warm clothing so it makes sense to size up. On the other hand, if the jacket is very insulating and your winters are mild, you may be OK with your usual size.
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Consider how you’ll be using the jacket. Most Moncler jackets aren’t made with stretch fabrics so if you’ll be wearing yours during outdoor activities, you may find your normal size restricts your movement. Also, if you’re doing a sport like skiing, you’ll have to layer your jacket over ski bibs and trousers without feeling restricted.