MONCLER, 70 years of down jackets and glamour

This is the story of Moncler and how it became the luxury sportswear symbol through the most iconic down jackets.

Few people know that Moncler was born with sleeping bags stuffed with feather and camping tents. We are in Monastier de Clermont, near Grenoble and the company was founded by René Ramillon just 70 years ago, in 1952. As it happens in many sportswear companies, it is precisely the request of a sportsman that changes fate: the famous French mountaineer Lionel Terray turns to the founder to create a wardrobe that could face the harshest climates. Today we would call it 'collab'.

In 1954 the Moncler down jackets dressed the Italian team for the expedition on K2 and the following year to reach the summit of Makalù. You have to wait until 1968 to see Moncler wearing to the French engaged in alpine skiing on the occasion of the Olympic Winter Games in Grenoble. The 'Duvet' feather, appreciated for its lightness and heating capacity, is even patented, offering a highly comfortable product.

For many years it becomes a reference point for mountain clothing, including ski enthusiasts who in winter rush on the snow for the weekend. The 80s will mark a new milestone, with the youth culture of Milanese sandwiches. So called because everything built around a sandwich - the burger -, the new generation dresses designer and, among the 'must have', there is even the Moncler down jacket. A ski jacket chosen in bright colors (such as yellow or green) to wear in the city. Designed for snow and not for rain, the phenomenon ends in a few years.

We must wait for Remo Ruffini (current President and CEO) to see the birth of the first model from the city and talk about a Moncler as a synonym for down jacket. The collections will follow with internationally renowned artists and designers, while the event at Milan Fashion Week will define the success of a company that does not fear cultural and design limits. A show that celebrates the iconic Maya 70 model, a mix of Heritage and innovation.