Moncler, the iconic Italian luxury brand, has a rich legacy that stretches back to 1952, when René Ramillon and André Vincent first established the company in the Alpine town of Monestier-de-Clermont, France. What began as a niche outerwear boutique catering to mountaineers and skiers blossomed into a global powerhouse specializing in ready-to-wear outerwear and fashion accessories. The signature quilted jackets, originally designed for protection against harsh weather, soon gained traction among adventurers and athletes. The brand’s collaborations with legendary mountaineers like Lionel Terray and its role as the official outfitter for expeditions and national ski teams cemented its place in alpine fashion history.
After Remo Ruffini acquired the company in 2003, he spearheaded a revival, transforming Moncler into a symbol of luxury and innovation. This era saw the brand enter streetwear through creative collaborations and projects like Moncler Genius. With Moncler’s signature rooster and Mont Blanc-inspired logo prominently adorning its products, identifying a vintage piece becomes easier through an examination of its distinct tags. Each tag era, from the classic 1970s “Grenoble” tags to the modern 2010s designs, reflects Moncler’s evolution, mirroring its growing global presence and dedication to timeless style.
Moncler’s story is not only one of reinvention and luxury but also of adventure, innovation, and unwavering dedication to quality, which continues to inspire and captivate fashion enthusiasts worldwide.
FW16 Moncler Runway Fashion Show
How to tell if Moncler is vintage from the logo
The Moncler logo embodies the brand’s rich history and timeless sophistication, instantly recognizable with its distinctive combination of emblem and wordmark. Drawing inspiration from the Alpine village of Monestier-de-Clermont, where the company was founded, the name “Moncler” has evolved from its roots in manufacturing sleeping bags to become synonymous with luxurious down jackets and skiwear.
At the heart of the logo is a bold wordmark, set in all capitals using a striking serif font reminiscent of Friz Quadrada, lending the design an elegant, confident edge. Above the wordmark sits the emblem, an abstract and colorful representation of a rooster integrated with the letter “M.” This iconic emblem pays homage to the French national symbol, a nod to Moncler’s heritage and its role as the official outfitter of the French Olympic ski team in the 1960s.
Reflecting the French tricolor flag, the emblem’s palette of blue, red, and white symbolizes passion, loyalty, and power, reinforcing Moncler’s commitment to quality and style. The badge, which graces each Moncler jacket, encapsulates these elements within a rounded figure, offering a distinctive mark of excellence that blends seamlessly with the brand’s legendary legacy.
1952 to now Moncler logo
- The iconic Moncler logo features an abstract rooster and mountain peak in red and blue.
- The logo is used with or without the circular border, maintaining the core design elements.
1952 to now Moncler logo
1952 to now Moncler logo 1
How to tell if Moncler is vintage from the tags
1970s to 1980s vintage Moncler tags
- Tags feature the recognizable red and blue rooster and the Mont Blanc logo.
- Bold “MONCLER” text is often accompanied by the “Grenoble” designation.
- Some tags include the “Made in France” label and a multicolored cartoon instruction guide.
1970s to 1980s Moncler tags
1990s vintage Moncler tags
- Typically feature a square or rectangular format with bold “MONCLER” lettering and the distinctive rooster logo.
- The “Grenoble” subtext and sizing information (numbers like 4 or 6) appear on the tags.
- Some feature the “Norme AFNOR” designation along with “Veritable” and “Duvet Neuf.”
1990s Moncler tags
2000s vintage Moncler tags
- Tags start to include a loop-style version, with the distinctive rooster logo and “MONCLER” text.
- Some tags have brown backgrounds or utilize the more traditional navy colors.
- The sizing details are typically displayed separately from the main logo.
2000s Moncler tags
2010s vintage Moncler tags
- Tags remain rectangular and feature the same distinctive logo and text but with updated “MONCLER” branding.
- The sizing info is usually on the main tag or as a separate loop.
- The signature cartoon instruction guide is still present in some items.
2010s Moncler tags
