A brief history of... Moncler

Moncler is a luxury fashion brand that was founded in 1952 by René Ramillon in Monestier-de-Clermont, a small town in the French Alps. The company is known for its high-quality, stylish, and durable outerwear, particularly its down jackets, which are popular among outdoor enthusiasts and have become something of a cultural icon in the fashion industry. In the city, if you see a down jacket, there's a high chance it will have the signature Moncler cartoon on the inside.

René Ramillon started the company as a small workshop producing high-quality, quilted down jackets for workers in the French Alps.

The company's jackets were designed to be worn as a midlayer, and were made from lightweight, breathable fabric that was filled with down, which provided warmth and insulation. The jackets quickly gained a reputation for their superior quality and durability, and became a popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts in the French Alps.

In the 1970s, Moncler began to expand internationally, opening stores in Europe, the United States, and Asia. The company's down jackets became popular among a wider audience, and were worn by a number of high-profile figures, including Madonna and Kanye West.

In 2003, Moncler was acquired by Italian entrepreneur Remo Ruffini, who has been credited with turning the company into a global luxury brand. Under Ruffini's leadership, Moncler has expanded its product range to include a wider range of clothing and accessories, including knitwear, shirts, and bags.

Moncler has faced criticism for its use of fur in its products. In 2018, the company faced backlash after it was revealed that it was using fur from raccoon dogs in some of its jackets. Raccoon dogs, which are native to Asia, are often raised in inhumane conditions on fur farms and are subjected to painful and violent deaths. Moncler faced a wave of criticism from animal rights groups and consumers, and the company announced that it would stop using fur in its products. However, some critics have pointed out that Moncler continues to use other animal products, such as leather and down, in its products, and have called on the company to adopt more humane and sustainable sourcing practices.

Today, Moncler is a global luxury fashion brand, known for its high-quality, stylish, and durable outerwear. In addition to its signature down jackets, the company now produces a wide range of clothing and accessories for men, women, and children, including parkas, coats, and skiwear.

Despite its global reach, Moncler remains deeply rooted in its French heritage, with its headquarters and manufacturing facilities still based in the French Alps. The company's commitment to producing high-quality, stylish, and practical clothing has made it a beloved and trusted brand around the world, and it shows no signs of slowing down any time soon.