Moncler

Italy's Moncler, whose beginnings can be traced to the 1950s ski scene, is arguably the model for a high-end outdoor brand. In its current form, the brand crosses both worlds. The technical clothing line Moncler Genius incorporates the talents of renowned designers like Craig Green and Kei Ninomiya. Alpine ski equipment is infused by Moncler Grenoble with the finesse of the runway. The brand's wearable, fashionable daily wear items, like the Maya, a $1250 puffer made popular by a certain Aubrey Graham, lie in the middle of the two extremes.

Make no mistake, Moncler is first and foremost a luxury brand. But unlike many of its contemporaries, it is also grounded in function. Both physically and conceptually, a Moncler jacket and a Saint Laurent motorcycle are made of distinct materials. Plus, the prep schooler's ski jacket may have more in common with that than most people would realize, especially when you consider the sticker price and status signaling of an ACRONYM shell.

Founded: René Ramillon and André Vincent

Headquarters: Milan, Italy‎

Website: https://www.moncler.com/en-us/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moncler/