Moncler opened this month at The Bravern in Bellevue, much to the joy of those who adore this luxury maker of outerwear. The name, an abbreviation of Monestier de Clermont, a mountain village near Grenoble in France, has now become synonyms with garments of high quality, offering longevity and chic design. It was in that mountain village in 1952 that René Ramillon and Andrè Vincent began making garments for mountaineering. Moncler’s warm and light pieces soon crossed over from climbing to skiing, especially after outfitting the French ski team at the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble.
Moncler Store at The Bravern
Over the years, Moncler faded in popularity as new types of ski gear and the likes of North Face took over the market. In 1992, Italian entrepreneur Remo Ruffini bought Moncler, and as current President and Creative Director has recreated it as a luxury brand. Ruffini first focused on the reinvention of its puffer coat into a coveted piece that was high fashion and function. It later expanded into a more urban look with its Moncler Gamme Rouge Collection, designed by Giambattista Valli.
The Bravern store in Bellevue carries men’s and women’s pieces, as well as a selection of hats, shoes and accessories. While Moncler is the gold standard for warmth and luxury, they are also investment pieces. That being said, the goal of Moncler is in making clothing that stands the test of time, meaning that while pricier, should last you far longer than that Costco puffer you got last year.
Moncler at The Bravern, 11111 Northeast 8th Street, Bellevue, WA 98004
Hours: Mon-Sat: 10am-8pm and Sun: 12pm-6pm
