Eddie Bauer is credited for inventing and patenting the first quilted down jacket in America, back in 1940. However, Moncler is synonymous with ‘down for the jet set’, and for Fall 2009 they unveiled Gamme Blue– a collection designed by Thom Browne. The looks are classic Thom Browne in terms of tailoring, and the very ‘tight and trad’ color story echoes Moncler’s heritage. Some of the looks are very editorial, and therefore down-right silly. Others are just what you expect when you think Thom Browne + Moncler.
Moncler’s story goes back to 1952 when they started producing technical mountain sports gear. They say their first down jacket came about when the Moncler workers made them for their own wearing inside the factory during the colder months. Necessity is the mother of invention, right?
Link to Gamme Blue story and images
Moncler is more than a quilted jacket, it is the quintessence of protection from the harsh winter, the cold-beater par excellence.
Founded in 1952, it is much-loved for the professional quality of its products which have been perfected with the help of mountain climbers such as Lionel Terray. The company fell under the spotlight during the Grenoble Olympics in 1968 when it was made supplier of the official outfit for the French team.
The Selvedge Yard 
Pingback: The Collaboration: Thom Browne et Moncler « all plaidout