Moncler

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Moncler is primarily known for its line of stylish skiwear. In fact, the company is credited with creating the first-ever down-filled jacket.[1] The company was founded in 1952 in the French town of Monestier de Clermont. Moncler, of course, is an abbreviation of Monestier and Clermont. It is a company of Pepper Industries s.p.a. of Italy.

A favorite of professional winter athletes, Moncler sponsored the official uniform of the French team in the 1968 Grenoble Olympics. Moncler's reputation received a further boost in the 1980s when the brand became hugely popular in Italy (which still accounts for 50% of the company's sales). Facing flat sales, Moncler engineered an entire brand makeover in the mid-nineties, taking the company into more upscale markets. The brand has since produced collaborations with Balenciaga, Junya Wantanabe, Yohji Yamamoto and Fendi.

Moncler maintains boutiques in St. Moritz and Cortina d'Ampezzo, but is otherwise available in France, Italy, Germany, Austria, Japan, and the United States. It is mainly sold at upscale department stores such as Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Barneys New York. The newest store was opened in the summer of 2007 in Paris.

During the whole of the '80s it was a staple part of the Paninaro look.