An ever-evolving initiative, Moncler Genius manifests today in two purpose-built temporary stores in New York and Tokyo (as well as across 50 pop-ups, boutiques and concessions around the world) and brings together a total of eight innovative collaborations. Working with designers from Pierpaolo Piccioli to Craig Green, Noir Kei Ninomiya, Hiroshi Fujiwara and labels like Palm Angels, the 1950s-founded heritage outerwear brand carves itself a path in hitherto untraversed territory. “For Moncler this marks a new strategy,” explains Remo Ruffini, the label’s chairman and CEO, “as well as a new way of working to constantly talking with the consumer, in the era that we live, the digital one.” Here, we celebrate 4 Moncler Simone Rocha – a marriage of the Irish designer’s twisted romanticism and the protective power of Moncler’s technology.
Taking the label’s classic down fabric, Rocha remoulds the label’s trademark parkas, puffas and mountain boots with her sculptural approach to volume, ruffles and overblown silhouette. “Originally I was inspired by the concept of the mountain,” Rocha explains. This in turn led the designer to the Victorian mountain climbers of the 19th century and saw enchanting shapes – billowing sleeves, full skirts – wrought in techy fabrics, laden with her signature embellishments. Working with Moncler’s experts, Rocha fused practicality with her playful aesthetic.
“I’ve long been intrigued by Rocha’s sophisticated and hyper-feminine aesthetic,” Ruffini explains of the project. “The 4 Moncler Simone Rocha collection is so strong yet feminine. Rocha brought her mastery of airy fabrics, such as organza and cloqué, to their ultra light construction.” Find these confections in Moncler stores between now and the end of 2018.
Hair: Cyndia Harvey at Streeters. Make-up: Niamh Quinn at LGA Management. Model: Xie Chaoyu at Premier Models. Casting: Noah Shelley at AM Casting. Photographic Assistant: Andrew Moore. Styling Assistants: Chloe Grace Press and Abigail Adler. Special thanks to The Owl.
This story originally featured in the Autumn/Winter 2018 issue of AnOther Magazine, which is on sale internationally now.
4 Moncler Simone Rocha is available to buy now, from Moncler.