Moncler continues to trail-blaze in the luxe outerwear space with a new deconstructed collection with American west coast designer Greg Lauren. Born on the Alpine ski-slopes, Moncler's world is far removed from that of the sunny beach climes and palm tree vibes of Lauren's own creative space in the City of Angels. But that didn't stop the two collaborating, and the result is one of the most exciting experiments in we've seen.
Lauren's aesthetic is defined by a structural approach, with the flow of long, layered silhouettes juxtaposed to the actual garment's destruction and reconstruction (think frayed hems and exposed stitching). His main collections' color palettes meanwhile revolve around earthy, sun and sandy hues. All of this makes the 'Collide' collection that much more interesting, with Moncler's trademark boudins (padded jackets) apparently cut up and then stitched into Lauren's jackets, tops and jeans. Meanwhile, elements of Lauren's three-quarter length jackets and tops find themselves attached to Moncler's own coats and jackets, while bold elements of color strike through garments, dividing them in two—literally colliding with one another.
We caught a minute with Lauren on the eve of the collection's drop to talk about his inspiration, the collection, and what it was like working with a brand like Moncler.
How would you describe your style?
My relationship with clothing is very personal - something that is obviously to me because of my background. I grew up in a family where the tailoring culture was practised in a form I can only define as religious. My style is made by clothes that 'tell a story' and is what I try to identify with my style work as well: an idea of new luxury which is customised and rendered unique, far beyond any brand uniformity or generalised trend.
What did you want to say with this collection?
It all revolves around the concept of 'destroyed elegance', and 'imperfect perfection', and around a philosophy of absolute uniqueness and originality. Each of these items came about thanks to a creative fusion suggested by morphology or the possibility for metamorphosis of Moncler's heritage.
What does Moncler mean to you?
I always looked at Moncler. Its highly experimental vocation has always fascinated me. Moncler heritage also matches perfectly with my own collection's signature use of "repurposed fabrics" as well as unique juxtapositions of iconic references.
What was it like working with them?
It was a great challenge for me to mix the iconic Moncler styles as Maya, Bady and Moka with something very new for Moncler, 'colliding' them with vintage fabrics and recreating my idea of fashion but that still maintains the strong Moncler DNA. It was a mixture of ideas. That's where the magic really started.
How did you impart your designs and style, which appears like quintessential west coast American, into a luxe Italian label born on the ski-slopes?
With the Collide project I had the freedom to do what I love, creating a full man’s, woman’s and unisex wardrobe through the use of vintage and military fabrics. I also then mixed this up with the inclusion of iconic Moncler references.
How do you decide to work with another brand? What’s the thought process behind a collaboration?
Working on a collection I always begin with the question that I am trying to answer with the clothing. The collaboration with Moncler gave me the occasion to cross over into a new field but always very close to my idea of fashion.
The Moncler x Greg Lauren 'Collide' collection is available via Moncler and Greg Lauren's online stores.
In other news, check out these amazing space-age winter 'Moonray' ski jackets from Moncler (that comes with a free sci-fi b-movie).
