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  • Moncler Soars High: Luxury Retailer Rides the Wave of Asia Market Expansion With Robust Sales Growth

    Moncler Soars High: Luxury Retailer Rides the Wave of Asia Market Expansion With Robust Sales Growth

    Luxury fashion retailer Moncler has reported a strong momentum in sales growth, driven predominantly by its expanding presence in Asia.

    Strong Performance Across Moncler and Stone Island Brands

    The first half of their financial year saw a significant rise in revenues across its Moncler and Stone Island brands, with increases of 9% and 11% respectively. This strong performance for both brands contributed to a combined first-half group revenue of $1.47 billion and earnings before interest of $280 million.

    Remo Ruffini, Moncler’s Executive Chairman, is of the view that the group’s resilience stems not solely from its ability to swiftly adjust to changes, but also from staying true to its identity and maintaining close ties with the communities they serve. “In the first half of the year we delivered solid growth and profitability across both our brands, staying focused on our products, the creativity that characterizes our brands and the collective energy we share with our audiences,” he said.

    Moncler’s Rapid Growth in Asia

    Asia has proven to be the fastest-growing market for Moncler Group, now representing 54.4% of total sales. In comparison, the share of sales in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas has seen a decline.

    Ruffini added that the group is continuously seeking innovative ways to remain relevant throughout the year, beyond the core season. Despite the complex and unpredictable operating environment, he believes these challenging times test their ability to be sharper, bolder, while maintaining discipline and staying grounded. “We approach the second half of the year and the opportunities ahead with this same spirit, and with a clear sense of direction,” he concluded.

    Questions & Answers

    What has driven Moncler’s recent sales growth?
    Moncler’s sales growth was primarily driven by its expansion in Asia, contributing to 54.4% of total sales.

    How did Moncler and Stone Island brands perform in the first half of the year?
    Both brands showed significant growth with their revenues increasing by 9% and 11% respectively, leading to a combined first-half group revenue of $1.47 billion.

    What strategy does Moncler implement to stay competitive in the market?
    Moncler strives to remain relevant throughout the year by continuously seeking innovative ways to engage audiences, focusing on their products and the creativity that characterizes their brands while staying true to their identity and maintaining close ties with the communities they serve.

  • Moncler Group Soars in Asia: China and Korea Power Double-Digit Growth

    Moncler Group Soars in Asia: China and Korea Power Double-Digit Growth

    Moncler Group, the parent company of Moncler and Stone Island, has announced a robust first quarter. The company’s earnings were primarily driven by sales in Asia.

    First Quarter Sales Surge

    The group registered a substantial $1.03 billion in sales during the first quarter. It reported double-digit growth for both of its brands, leading to an overall year-on-year increase of 12 per cent.

    The Asian Market Triumphs

    In Asia, Moncler’s sales grew by an impressive 22 per cent. Moncler attributes this significant increase to strong performances in China and South Korea. However, the sales in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa experienced a minor dip of one per cent year-on-year.

    Brand Performance

    The Moncler brand was the group’s star performer with $900 million in sales. This was propelled by a 14 per cent rise in direct-to-consumer traffic. Stone Island, on the other hand, contributed a solid $134 million to the total sales.

    The Asian market continues to escalate its share of Moncler’s brand revenue. It now represents 56.5 per cent of total sales, marking a 3.7 per cent annual increase.

    Moncler Group’s Future Outlook

    Remo Ruffini, executive chairman of Moncler Group, expressed the company’s anticipation for the future. He stated that the first quarter not only demonstrated strong revenue performance but also the depth of relationships that their brands continue to build with their global community.

    Despite a global context shaped by conflicts and instability, both Moncler and Stone Island have exhibited considerable energy and cultural relevance.

    Ruffini also touched on the appointment of Bartolomeo Rongone as the group’s CEO that was announced earlier this year. He highlighted this as part of the group’s “next phase.” He further reiterated the group’s commitment to remain adaptable and responsive, guided by a clear strategic vision, in the face of an increasingly complex external environment.

    Questions & Answers

    What were the first quarter sales for Moncler Group?
    Moncler Group reported $1.03 billion in sales during the first quarter.

    Which market led the sales for Moncler Group?
    The Asian market led the sales for Moncler Group, with a 22 per cent growth.

    How does the Moncler brand perform in comparison to Stone Island?
    The Moncler brand outperformed Stone Island, with a contribution of $900 million in sales, as compared to Stone Island’s $134 million.

  • Moncler Breaks Into Thai Market with IconSiam Flagship Store Launch

    Moncler Breaks Into Thai Market with IconSiam Flagship Store Launch

    Italian luxury fashion house, Moncler, has announced the opening of its first independently operated store in Thailand. The store is situated in IconSiam, one of Bangkok’s largest multifunctional retail complexes.

    Expanding Footprint in Asia Pacific

    The establishment of this 225 square meter boutique signifies Moncler’s entry into directly managing retail operations in the Thai market. This latest expansion further extends the brand’s comprehensive network of stores throughout the Asia Pacific region.

    Store Design and Product Range

    The store’s design adheres to Moncler’s universal model, merging monochrome finishes with wooden elements. The entrance, featuring a black marble chessboard pattern, leads into a space delineated by floor-to-ceiling moldings. This design creates an architectural layout that strikes a balance between traditional and contemporary materials.

    The IconSiam boutique offers a range of products for men and women from the latest Moncler Collection. The collection includes outerwear, ready-to-wear apparel, accessories, and eyewear.

    Increasing Presence in Key Asian Cities

    Moncler is continuing to expand its directly operated store locations across significant Asian cities. This move comes as luxury fashion labels are escalating their presence in Bangkok to meet the consistent demand from local consumers and international visitors.

    Questions & Answers

    Q: Where is Moncler’s first directly operated store in Thailand located?
    A: The store is located in IconSiam, one of Bangkok’s largest mixed-use retail developments.

    Q: What does the design of the new store look like?
    A: The store design follows Moncler’s universal model, fusing black-and-white finishes with wooden elements and features a black marble chess-patterned entrance.

    Q: What type of products does the new store offer?
    A: The IconSiam location stocks men’s and women’s product lines from the latest Moncler Collection, including outerwear, ready-to-wear apparel, accessories, and eyewear.

  • Moncler unveils Enfant boutique in Hong Kong

    Moncler unveils Enfant boutique in Hong Kong

    Moncler announces the opening of its new boutique entirely dedicated to the Moncler Enfant collection in Ocean Terminal, further strengthening its brand presence in the luxury shopping mall through the already existing flagship store opened in 2017.

    The store spans over 140 square meters, of which nearly 100 square meters dedicated to sales. The store will be divided into two areas. The front room will be finished with a mix of fine materials such as chêne fume paneling, walls covered with wooden boiserie in red, orange, yellow, and beige red colorways, smoked oak parquet, and handmade red carpets with polka dots in dark red and yellow that adorn the floor. The second room will be finished with polka dots wallpaper and handmade yellow carpets.

    Inspired by the Moncler heritage, a brand born in the mountains, a small cable car from Italy will be displayed in the store to create a more playful area, taking a step closer to the children’s world. The new premises reflect the iconic and unique Moncler aesthetics, creating the distinctive warm and welcoming atmosphere peculiar to House’s stores worldwide.

    The Moncler Enfant collection features the mini-me version of the Moncler collections, the hallmarks of which are adapted to children’s needs for practicality and flexibility as well as re-interpreted with a playful and exciting exploration of new styles and colorway

    Moncler has delved into a brighter world for the imagining of its Spring-Summer 21 Enfant Collection. The season’scolorful universe – inspired by soft spring afternoons and the joy of sport – is heightened by technical innovations and advanced fabrications that bestride the most transient of seasons with ease. Higher featherweights for the early season give way to airy layers for later in spring, with particular care given to the development of categories such as T-Shirts and trousers for a modular approach to dressing that’s totally in tune with children’s energy.

  • Moncler aqcuiring Stone Island

    Moncler aqcuiring Stone Island

    Italian designer clothing brand Stone Island has just been snapped up by Italian winter wear’s favorite Moncler SpA (BIT: MONC). While some retailers are winding up operations and slipping into administration, others are seeing an opportunity to expand. Designer goods are selling surprisingly well this year, and many analysts think 2021 will see a massive recovery in the sector.

    Last month we discussed how exclusive streetwear brand Supreme was acquired in a $2 billion deal by VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC). Now it’s the turn of Stone Island, which is being acquired by Luxury Italian group Moncler for $1.39 billion.

    Family-owned Stone Island was founded in 1982 by Massimo Osti. In the prior years, he’d created an unusual fabric that went onto become an integral part of Stone Island’s popularity. The Tella Stella fabric is a tarpaulin like weight, heavily stonewashed, and dyed in a variety of colors. In 1983 Carlo Rivetti, the current CEO and owner of Stone Island, bought his 50% stake in the company. In the ensuing years, the brand enjoyed increasing popularity. Inspired by both the military and traditional workwear, the pair created innovative new jacket designs with unusual features. For instance, a color-changing jacket that responds to temperature through its liquid crystal coating and a reflective jacket coated in a thin layer of glass.

    The brand’s popularity spiked in the nineties as English football hooligans embraced it. The founder left the company in 1994. In 2009 the brand began collaborating with others such as Adidas and then Supreme in 2014. The Supreme collab caught the eye of rapper Drake, who loved it and became a major fan and unofficial ambassador of the brand. This transitioned it away from the hardman image of football thugs to the trendy streetwear image popularised by sports brands. And Drake’s fan base was a boon to Stone Island, increasing its popularity stateside.

    Stone Islands’ growth has surged in recent years. In 2018, Stone Island’s revenue was approaching €200 million from around €56 million in 2012. It sold a 30% stake to Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund in 2017.

    CEO and owner Carlo Rivetti still owns just over 50% of Stone Island, and his family owners own an additional 19.9%. Skiwear-turned-fashion-brand Moncler is buying it from them in cash. It is buying the other 30% from Temasek, which also has a small stake in Moncler. All parties are being offered the same terms, but Temasek also has the option of taking newly issued Moncler shares for up to 50% of the cash consideration.

    Chairman and CEO of Moncler, Remo Ruffini said: “We are coming together at a challenging moment both for Italy and the world, when everything seems uncertain and unpredictable but I believe it is precisely in these moments that we need new energy and new inspiration to build our tomorrow,”

    What the Moncler and VF Corp. deals signify is the arrival of streetwear in a world of its own. No longer simply cheap and cheerful clothes for skaters, tradesmen or football fans. These brands cover all manner of outdoor pursuits, but in a trendy, designer way that makes even the laziest youngsters look cool. The streetwear market has an estimated value of $50 billion and is expected to enjoy double-digit sales growth by 2024.

    VF Corp now owns Supreme, along with The North Face, Dickies and Vans, but this isn’t stopping Supreme taking part in its exclusive collaborations with other popular brands. These surprise drops are what keeps it in demand. Customers love it, and they’re often oversubscribed in next to no time. Supreme just joined forces with Stone Island last month, when they dropped another sell-out collection. They’ve been partnering on occasion since 2014, and their limited-edition outerwear remains as popular as ever.

    This latest collab features both Supreme’s logo and Stone Island’s compass. Pieces include hand-painted shearling jackets, which have become one of Stone Island’s signature edits, as well as wind-resistant crinkle down jackets in camouflage print. There are also corduroy jackets, hoodies and some of Supreme’s quirky accessories, such as a glow-in-the-dark balaclava and swimming goggle inspired sunglasses.

    Dual branding opens up potential buyers to a much wider audience. It also gives a unique spin to a garment, but keeps it exclusive and therefore highly profitable. Despite the economic uncertainty facing the world, designer streetwear is on the up, with social media the perfect place to showcase and drop their latest offerings. Emerging markets are bringing youth and wealth, hungry to add the coolest fashion garb to their image streams. Both Stone Island and Supreme look to be headed for several years of continued growth ahead.

  • Vivid pop up for Moncler opens in Macau’s Galaxy mall

    Vivid pop up for Moncler opens in Macau’s Galaxy mall

    Just in time for the fall fashion season, The Promenade Shops at Galaxy Macau™ is pleased to announce the arrival of Moncler Genius Galaxy Macau Pop-Up. From now till 17 October at the Pearl Lobby, the exclusive Pop-Up will catch the debut of the first-in-Macau launch of Moncler Palm Angels – communicate with the other five Moncler Genius collections which were presented in Milan Fashion Week in February. The Pop-up will also feature the exclusive Moncler’s highly anticipated The Yellow collection.

    Moncler Genius Galaxy Macau Pop-Up redefines the concept of temporary space and reserve an unprecedented Moncler experience for the guests, re-writing the rules of the single-brand which becomes a specialty store. Designed with an all-round curatorial approach, the Pop-up is designed as interactive spaces animated by special activities to establish a close and comprehensive connection with the metropolitan context. The space features mirror stainless steel for the walls, and yellow neon light for the ceilings or the interiors. Viewing from the top of the space, the structure perfectly delineates the Moncler Genius Building with the numbers marking 1 to 8.

    “We are thrilled to host the latest collection of one of the most fashion-forward projects,” said Hazel Wong, Senior Vice President of Retail for Galaxy Macau. “The Moncler Genius Galaxy Macau Pop-Up represents an opportunity for sophisticated shoppers to experience exciting collaborations between an iconic brand and some of the fashion world’s most creative talents, with a combination of aesthetic and technical innovations. In addition to traditional luxury fashion, our shoppers can always find constant freshness, new trends with exclusive, first-in-Macau offerings at The Promenade Shops.”

    “Today’s world has changed enormously,” said Remo Ruffini, Chairman, and CEO of Moncler. “Communication has been totally revolutionized. The consumer wants to see something new every day and expects new shapes and languages to interact with a brand. Moncler Genius represents the way in which the brand projects into the future. A future that starts now”.

    Moncler Palm Angels is the eighth collaboration under the Moncler Genius project, a hub where exceptional creative talents work together to cultivate fresh new visions of the Moncler identity. Announced during Milan Fashion Week in February, Moncler Genius pursues a vision of “One House, Different Voices”. Each Moncler Genius project focuses on the classic Moncler down jacket, approaching the duvet experimentally while keeping function at the core of exploration. As a result, the creative soul of each project morphs with the Moncler soul for a new identity that is truly authentic.

    Moncler Artistic Director Francesco Ragazzi is also Palm Angels’ Designer. Milan-born Francesco Ragazzi started Palm Angels in 2011 as photographic documentation of skater culture in Los Angeles, Ragazzi later evolved the concept into a clot-ing line in 2015. For Moncler Palm Angels, Ragazzi turns his photographer’s eye toward imbuing Moncler’s trademark sportswear and down jackets with key elements of authentic skater subculture. Ragazzi will present and celebrate the exclusive launch of Moncler Palm Angels at Moncler Genius Galaxy Macau Pop-up on 6 Oct.

    Guests visiting the Moncler Genius Galaxy Macau Pop-Up with 6 out of the 8 Moncler Genius collections including 2 Moncler 1952, 4 Moncler Simone Rocha, 5 Moncler Craig Green, 6 Moncler Noir Kei Ninomiya and 7 Moncler Fragment Hiroshi Fujiwara and 8 Moncler Palm Angels, will also be able to explore The Yellow collection exclusively available at the pop-up. It is based on one-shot products and limited-edition cult items distinguished by yellow and black which define the communication of Moncler Genius. Items include T-shirts, knitwear caps, belt bags, feather down gilets, and more.

    Starting this season and continuing through the winter, shoppers are the first to see new stores, products, and café society destinations that have recently arrived to The Promenade Shops and are one-of-a-kind in Macau. They are the first to hear about the exclusive new brands and
    collections coming soon to The Promenade Shops. They are also the first to experience branded pop-up shops.

  • Moncler starting fragrance range with Interparfums

    Moncler starting fragrance range with Interparfums

    Italian luxury fashion brand Moncler is partnering with Interparfums to launch its first fragrance line.

    Under the partnership, Moncler will launch perfumes and fragrances-related products manufactured by Interparfums in Moncler mono-brand stores and other selected resellers.

    “Interparfums’ renowned expertise and creativity make it the ideal partner to develop a fragrance that is perfectly aligned with Moncler’s DNA and unique identity,” said Remo Ruffini, chairman and CEO of Moncler.

    “The launch of Moncler’s first fragrance line is consistent with our selective brand extension strategy further enriching the clients’ experience with the brand.”

    According to the company, the exclusive partnership will last until the end of 2026, with a potential five-year extension. Moncler’s first fragrance line is scheduled to launch in the first quarter of 2022.

  • Moncler open store in Changi Airport

    Moncler open store in Changi Airport

    DFS Group, the world’s leading luxury travel retailer, is pleased to introduce global luxury brand Moncler at Changi Airport Terminal 1. The opening of the new Moncler boutique adds an important presence within the DFS Group’s luxury fashion offerings that are housed within a world-class travel retail destination.

    The new Moncler boutique represents a new milestone that reflects the DFS Group’s focus on experiential shopping. It also complements the DFS Group’s impressive luxury retail line-up at Changi Airport, which is home to a prominent stable of premium fashion offerings. The latest collaboration with the fashion-forward and iconic outerwear leader underlines DFS Group’s commitment to deliver the finest product offerings and exclusive experiences to fashion-conscious shoppers.

    The new boutique reflects Moncler’s haute montagne aesthetic and vision, at the same time keeping in tune with the maison’s roots and heritage. Boasting a floor area that measures around 110 square metres, the clever layout maximises the use of space while the addition of select materials adds a contemporary feel. A unique effect has been achieved with the marble flooring, which alternates herringbone white Calacatta Vagli with black Gricio Carnico, while sleek glass cases with black varnished wood complete the look. The boutique hosts the Moncler men’s, women’s and accessory collections.

    “We are very honoured to welcome a distinguished and respected heritage brand such as Moncler into our portfolio of fashion and watch brands. As part of the strategy to up the ante of the retail experience for our global travellers when they visit DFS Changi, Moncler has been carefully curated to offer a wide selection from their latest collection for savvy travellers.” Wilcy Wong, DFS Group Managing Director Singapore and Indonesia, shares.

    Teo Chew Hoon, Group Senior Vice President of Airside Concessions from Changi Airport Group adds, “We are pleased to open the first Moncler boutique with our valued partner DFS Group to offer passengers an exceptional shopping experience with fashion offerings from luxury to high street designs across a range of price points.”

    The boutique was officially opened on 14th December with a grand opening ceremony. The festivities featured a ribbon cutting ceremony officiated by renowned local actor Desmond Tan with Wilcy Wong, DFS Group Managing Director Singapore and Indonesia and Chandra Mahtani, Changi Airport Group Vice-President of Terminal 5 Planning. Hosted by Constance Lau, the ribbon cutting ceremony and lion dancers kick-started the celebrations for esteemed guests, who were treated to a live nitrogen cocktail performance and styling tips by Celebrity fashion stylist and personality, Glenn Goh.

  • Moncler sales boosted by China market

    Moncler sales boosted by China market

    Asia has proven to be the core driver of Moncler sales growth year to date. The edgy Italian fashion house which specialises in outdoor wear reported a 23 per cent increase in global sales this week in the nine months to September 30, measured in constant currency.

    But Asia and the ‘rest of world’ (which excludes Europe and the Americas) significantly outperformed the brand’s core markets, with sales up 39 per cent.

    And Chinese shoppers – who now account for about one-third of the world’s luxury goods market – are behind the trend, spending up at large in the brand’s new Hong Kong shops and on the mainland.

    “Chinese demand has been very strong in the third quarter, totally in line with the first half,” Moncler COO Luciano Santel said during an analyst conference call after the figures were released.

    Trading during the Golden Week holiday in early October was better than last year, signalling the growth trend will continue, said Moncler CEO Remo Ruffini: “The fourth quarter has just started, but we continued to see very positive signs in all our markets,” he said.

    Global sales topped €872.7 million euros for the nine months.

  • Moncler sales up on China, Japan

    Moncler sales up on China, Japan

    Luxury down jacket brand Moncler reported strong double-digit sales growth in the first half of 2018, on the back of solid revenue gains in China and Japan.

    The Milan, Italy-based brand said consolidated revenues reached 493.5 million euros for the six months ended June 30, an increase of 27% (at constant exchange rates), compared to 2017.

    In outlining the results, Moncler’s CEO, Remi Ruffini, hailed “major growth across all distribution channels—retail, wholesale and digital—and across all markets.”

    The group’s retail distribution channel increased to 376.8 million euros, up 33%, while comparable sales jumped 27%. Wholesale saw a 12% uptick.

    For the six months, net income climbed 47% to 61.6 million euros for a margin of 12.5%, while operating profit increased 35% to 85.7 million euros.

    In Italy, revenues rose 9%, mainly driven by the strong growth of the retail channel, while in Asia and ROTW, revenues leaped 42, helped by Japan, which significantly accelerated in the second quarter, thanks to the launch of ‘7 Moncler Fragment Hiroshi Fujiwara’.

    Moncler said it continued to register “very good performances” in China, which saw double-digit organic growth, following the Chinese government decision to reduce import duties.

    From the beginning of July, Moncler reduced its prices in China by 3.5% on average, it added.

    Revenues in Korea recorded a solid increase, with a sales acceleration in the second quarter, “mainly due to the organic growth of the existing stores’ network.”

    In the EMEA marker, Moncler’s revenues grew 17%, while the Americas grew 29%, said the company.

    Moncler currently operates 209 retail directly operated stores globally, with 65 shop-in-shops.

    It operates some 84 points-of-sales in Asia alone.

  • The Asian side of Moncler’s Genius Project

    The Asian side of Moncler’s Genius Project

    Debuted at Milan Fashion Week during February of this year, French-Italian outerwear brand opened up eight spaces in the Moncler Genius building to exhibit their eight collaborations with makers across multiple disciplines.

    Collections that would be released from June to October 2018 were showcased from Pierpaolo Piccioli, Moncler 1952, Grenoble, Simone Rocha, Craig Green, Noir Kei Ninomiya, Fragment Hiroshi Fujiwara, and Palm Angels, and aptly referred to in totality as “a republic of imagination.”

    Months later, we’re finally seeing the first release from Moncler’s Genius Project and it comes from modern renaissance man Hiroshi Fujiwara. Best known as a Japanese streetwear designer, he is responsible for Nike’s HTM designs and his own label and agency known as Fragment as well as being the first DJ to bring hip-hop to Japan and his work with brands like Supreme, Levis, Stussy, and Beats by Dre.

    For his partnership with Moncler, the once-DJ/producer and always disruptive multi-hyphenate presented the 7 Moncler Fragment Hiroshi Fujiwara collection, and with its release Fujiwara selected six individuals (plus himself) with similar interests across seven cities. With him kicking off the release in Florence, Italy, DJ Kitty Cash represented New York, a friend of Cash and equally as fashionable DJ Siobhan Bell held down London, French singer-songwriter Eddy de Pretto launched Paris, entrepreneur, singer-songwriter Chau Pak Ho was in Tokyo, singer Crush represented Seoul, and the rapper-singer Vava launched Beijing.

    Each city and individual kicked off the first of two releases of Moncler and Fujiwara’s (one now with a second in December). New York’s representative Kitty Cash put together a playlist that included “Praise The Lord” from A$AP Rocky and Skepta, “Come Over” from The Internet, and “Hater” from Key!.

    “I wanted to keep the song collection current and youthful; a mix of underground and mainstream Hip-Hop and R&B tracks. Underground was important to focus on because it kept with the tradition of introducing new artistic movements that Moncler has become known for,” Cash says.

  • Moncler thrives in Hong Kong

    Moncler thrives in Hong Kong

    Hong Kong and China were the fastest-growing markets globally for edgy Italian outdoor-wear brand Moncler in the first quarter of this year.

    In every market in which the company operates, it achieved double-digit growth, even when unfavourable currency exchange rates in some were taken into account. Sales in Asia and other markets outside Europe and the Americas, rose 39 per cent at constant exchange rates, the highest growth rate of any region, reaching €146.4 million (US$175.1 million).

    Within Asia, according to Moncler’s chairman and CEO Remo Ruffini, “China’s mainland and Hong Kong largely outperformed the growth of the region”.

    Worldwide, Moncler’s sales rose 28 per cent at constant exchange rates, to €332 million. Retail revenue rose 35 per cent and wholesale revenue by 9 per cent.

    Ruffini attributes the success to the Moncler Genius project – a creative hub, which has “reimagined Moncler’s soul by going beyond the season’s concept”.

    “The idea for this was born from a desire to seek innovative forms of expression, to constantly dialogue with the clients, fuelled by a new digital approach. Each collection will be singularly dropped, starting from June 14 with Moncler Fragment Hiroshi Fujiwara, followed by all the others on a monthly basis”.

  • Moncler Sales Climb 14% in Nine Months

    Moncler Sales Climb 14% in Nine Months

    Clothing retailer Moncler international had double-digit growth in all key financial indicators last year, with soaring Asian sales playing their part.

    Its revenues for the year reached €1.1 billion (US$1.3 billion), an increase of 17 per cent at constant exchange and 15 per cent at current exchange rates. In the fourth quarter, revenues rose 17 per cent at constant exchange and 14 per cent at current exchange rates.

    Moncler chairman/CEO Remo Ruffini says the growth plus a net sales growth of about €200 million confirm the group’s strength and validated its strategy.

    In Asia, revenues grew 20 per cent at constant exchange rates with double-digit sales growth for Japan in the fourth quarter.

    Robust performances continued in China, says Moncler, driven by a double-digit organic growth in the fourth quarter, and in Hong Kong, where it opened a flagship store in Canton Road.

    Revenues from the retail distribution channel last year reached €892.4 million, up 19 per cent at constant exchange rates. The group also achieved comparable store sales growth of 14 per cent.

    At the end of December, Moncler’s mono-brand distribution network comprised 201 directly run retail stores, 11 more than the previous year, and 59 wholesale shop-in-shops, up 17. In the fourth quarter, Moncler opened six retail outlets and 11 shop-in-shops.

    For the full year, the consolidated gross margin was €917.5 million, 76.9 per cent of revenues compared to 75.7 per cent the previous year. This is attributed to retail channel growth and higher production efficiency.

    Adjusted EBITDA rose to €411.6 million from €355.1 million, resulting in an EBITDA margin of 34.5 per cent compared to 34.1 per cent.

    Net income was €133.3 million, up 63 per cent.

  • Mr. Ruffini’s Moncler Genius Building unveiled

    Mr. Ruffini’s Moncler Genius Building unveiled

    Moncler Genius Building is finally unveiled.

    During the opening of Milan Fashion Week, Moncler finally revealed the highly anticipated Moncler Genius Building—a conceptual space that housing the Moncler Genius collections designed in collaboration with Hiroshi Fujiwara, Francesco Ragazzi of Palm Angels, Craig Green, and other well-known names.

    Moncler packed out the Palazzo Delle Scintille—a 15,500 square meter exhibition space—with an international crowd excited to finally discover what Moncler had been hiding and shrouding with mystery for weeks.

    Upon entering the Palazzo Delle Scintille, the mystery continued. The space was filled with large tent-like shapes of all sizes shrouded with silver fabric, surrounded by smoke and glittering under bright spotlights.

    It looked like the silver shrouds would at once fall away for a big reveal but instead, following a long wait and a sudden countdown, curtains within the silver fabric opened and guests were invited inside the designers’ minds one at a time.

    None of the spaces featured a traditional runway presentation. Instead, the capsule collections were displayed on mannequins in a humid jungle; in an eerily dark room; hung from the ceiling; and on models performing a snow angel dance routine reflect in an enormous mirror.

    Francesco Ragazzi of Palm Angels took the most unorthodox approach, hosting two booths advertised by the slogans “Make It Rain” and “I’m So High.” Ragazzi and his team simply handed out free t-shirts periodically to keen attendees throughout the two-hour event.

    In the build-up, Moncler explained that with this new project it would “let creativity run wild,” and it certainly backed up its claim. Pierpaolo Piccioli of Valentino put together a monastic collection disturbingly reminiscent of the women’s uniforms in The Handmaid’s Tale and surrounded by the work of artist and monk Sidival Fila.

    Craig Greens’ collection was typically conceptual and utilitarian, denoting inflatable life jackets. Hiroshi Fujiwara of Fragment brought preppy, and in places grungy, vibes to the table with a sense Americana and mountaineering.

    Moncler did not stop at human clothes either. Happy pooches clad in tiny Moncler outfits ran joyfully around a doggy obstacle course as the brand showcased its animal jackets.

    The Moncler Genius Building acts as the project’s central hub. Within the space, each designer’s individualized cell represents a different facet of the brand’s identity and alludes to its unique vision for the future of fashion and design. The result is a grand composite of extraordinary minds united by the desire to innovate and create the new.

    Moncler’s President and Creative Director Remo Ruffini hopes these monthly capsule collections will disrupt the traditional, biannual fashion schedule. They will release in a similar fashion to the routine “drops” employed by some streetwear brand and provide consumers with newness far more regularly.

    Moncler will launch a collection once a month starting June. Clothes and accessories from its collaborative lines will be available in cities around the world at boutiques, selected stores and pop-ups.

  • Find Out ‘It’  Winter item in Korea

    Find Out ‘It’ Winter item in Korea

    Choosing the right padded jacket — this winter’s ‘it’ item — is a much more complicated task than one may think. It is not just design and color, but the type of insulation also has to be decided — goose, duck or synthetic materials, as well as their composition ratios, waterproof or not and even the overall weight.

    For many South Koreans, however, it all seems to come down to a choice between luxury and cost-effective alternatives.

    On the high-end side, with brands like Canada Goose, Nobis, Herno and Moncler, the jackets are priced at well over 1 million won (US$920).

    As for Moncler, the retail prices of long padded jackets for women hover around 2-3 million won. But some of the popular models have been sold out since summer and there’s a long waiting list still, an employee at a Moncler shop in Seoul said.

    The passion for the French fashion brand is high, as a growing number of people are purchasing online instead and have them delivered directly from Europe.

    “The price is 20-30 percent cheaper,” said Oh Su-hyun, who bought a Moncler coat this year via a Paris-based online shopping mall.

    “It cost me around $1,800, including tax. But I think it as an investment. Winter is long and you can wear it for many years because it’s Moncler.”

    More cost-conscious consumers have turned to more affordable options, chief among which is the PyeongChang Winter Olympic official down jacket, which was offered only in limited numbers.

    High-performance yet stylish and affordable, the PyeongChang coat has become an instant top seller.

    Since its launch on Oct. 26, people have been lining up for the coat which costs 149,000 won. But no more jackets are available now as the 300,000 pre-ordered items are completely sold out. The coats were manufactured by a local company in request by the nation’s retail giant Lotte, a licensed partner to the PyeongChang Olympics, to commemorate the global sports event.

    Some of the coats are being traded online, with a mark-up of 2-3 times the original price.

    The long padded coat craze seems to have led to an overall increase in winter coat purchases.

    According to Lotte Department Store, the sale of winter clothes surged 70 percent this month, while other retailers Hyundai and Shinsegae saw sales growing 12.7 percent and 13.4 percent, respectively.