THE JOURNAL

When two inspired entrepreneurs, Messrs René Ramillon and Andrè Vincent, founded Moncler in 1952, they had one very clear, overarching aim: to protect people from the cold with robust, practical and functional designs. Taking its name from an abbreviation of Monestier-de-Clermont – a mountain village near Grenoble and home to some of France’s earliest ski resorts and tennis clubs – the brand’s beginnings involved quilted sleeping bags, a hooded cape and tents. It was only later that the potential of its (now signature) down jackets came to light, with a little help and encouragement from the famous French climber, Mr Lionel Terray.
Good news for fans of the label is that the latest collection remains true to its origins. Both the clothes and accessories offered up continue to strike the right balance between innovation and creativity, while every idea is powered by carefully chosen performance fabrics and the idea of multiple uses. Here are 10 pieces from the lineup that’ll work as well in the city as they do in the mountains. What more could you want?
01.
The smart down jacket

Fair warning: this might be the first, but it certainly won’t be the last down jacket to feature in our roundup. Modelled on the cut of an overshirt, this one ticks smart and timeless boxes thanks to the navy shade and classic collar. It’s perfect for countryside walks or beer gardens – or even better, a countryside walk that ends up in a beer garden.
02.
The graphic sweater

Who says cosy can’t also mean cool? Knitted from pure cotton that’s soft, warm and breathable, this graphic sweater is jacquard-woven with the brand’s distinctive badge insignia (you know the one, it’s usually in felt and makes an appearance on one sleeve). The navy, black and white tones will make your life – or getting dressed, at the very least – a touch easier, too, since they’ll work handsomely with trousers in all colours and different washes of denim, too.
03.
The grey sweatpants

Investment buys come in many guises and we’d like to present a case that grey sweatpants count as one of them. Why? Well, they’ll certainly pass the versatility test given how often you’ll wear them around the house, to the gym and while travelling. Tapered at the cuffs, this slim pair has a super soft looped backing (which you’ll be extra thankful for when you’re trying to get comfy on a plane) and exaggerated embroidery to elevate them from “basic” status.
04.
The lacquered down jacket

Moncler’s down jackets with high-shine, lacquered finishes (achieved by pressing the fabric between hot rollers) lean more towards the fashion end of the scale – though that doesn’t mean you can’t also wear this one for every day adventures or even those atop a snow-capped peal. It’s waterproof and the padding still boasts high fill power, meaning it’s light and insulating.
05.
The tie-dyed sweater

Lockdown (or, admittedly, TikTok) has bolstered our love of tie-dye and that’s not going anywhere, anytime soon. This sweater has splodges that resemble a cloudy sky, so it’ll remind you of times spent whizzing down the mountains even when you’re not on them. Bliss.
06.
The practical bag

High-performance nylon is a material Moncler likes to use often – it makes accessories, like this bag, durable and easy to wipe clean after (typically muddy or dusty) outdoor ventures. The leather loops mean you could attach it to a belt, or you could use it to keep your cards organised and just slip inside your rucksack.
07.
The reversible jacket

08.
The versatile high-tops

Sportswear meets streetwear with these high-top sneakers. They’re splashed with the brand’s iconic colours and stamped with logo lettering underneath the laces. Bonus points are awarded for the extended rubber soles at the sidewalls and toe caps that’ll help to keep your feet dry, rendering soggy feet a thing of the past.
09.
The subtle logo tee

You might be thinking that, surely, a plain T-shirt would be a subtle option, but what we mean here is that it’s not decorated with bright, flashy lettering. Instead, it’s neatly tipped at the sleeves with tricolour stripes and affixed with a discreet Moncler logo. Hit the zoom button to see it.
10.
The fresh polo

On the other hand, polo shirts with bold logos are among our favourite kinds right now – perhaps its because they nod to the style’s sporting origins? This one is detailed with an oversized motif at the chest and the grey colour makes it perfect for nailing smart-casual dress codes.