Edward Enninful's first Moncler Genius collection conquers the elements

Moncler has consistently made a significant impact with its Moncler Genius initiative over recent years, particularly through high-profile collaborations with influential figures and cultural powerhouses. The latest in this series of groundbreaking partnerships sees the brand joining forces with former British Vogue editor-in-chief, Edward Enninful, for his debut Genius collection, marking a new chapter in innovative design.

For his inaugural Moncler Genius collection, the esteemed editor, stylist, and cultural contributor has meticulously envisioned a wardrobe for what he terms a "fashionable global adventurer." This concept centers around a bold hero equipped to navigate the world's most extreme and diverse terrains, from scorching desert dunes and windswept coastlines to challenging snow-capped mountain peaks. This venture also marks a significant milestone for Enninful, as Moncler serves as the very first co-creator for EE72, his recently launched global media and entertainment company, which is dedicated to pioneering new forms of storytelling and collaboration.

This collection represents Enninful’s initial foray into the realm of fashion design, and it is characterized by a sophisticated blend of high-fashion aesthetics, supreme functionality, and forward-thinking modularity. This distinctive sensibility is intricately woven into every piece, seamlessly merging Moncler’s renowned technical expertise and mastery in navigating diverse elements – exemplified by its signature puffer structures and boudin quilting – with tailored shoulders and elegant, couture-inspired silhouettes. Each individual look within the collection has been specifically crafted to brave one of the three distinct elements envisioned by Enninful.

For tackling harsh windstorms, the collection introduces a sophisticated trench coat featuring a matte finish and a sleek silhouette, thoughtfully paired with a removable outer puffer crafted from glossy nylon laqué. This outer jacket is designed for ultimate practicality, capable of being detached and carried like a backpack using its integrated interior straps. To confront sandstorms, there's a slim scuba dress complemented by a sculptural hooded cape and a dramatic, floor-sweeping scarf, which the company highlights as daring tributes to Moncler’s celebrated puffer heritage. Snowstorms inspire a layered approach, featuring a finely knit wool turtleneck worn beneath a chic cardigan dress and an oversized merino wool jacket. This formidable winter ensemble is completed with a protective balaclava and robust Trailgrip EE72 boots.

Supporting this visionary collection is a captivating campaign, masterfully shot by renowned photographer Tyler Mitchell and starring the striking South Sudanese-Australian model Adut Akech. Mitchell collaborated closely with Enninful, working to seamlessly merge his unique immersive world-building capabilities with the designer’s fantastical and adventurous vision. The result is a spellbinding visual narrative that portrays shifting sands and crystalline snow, where Akech embodies a fearless hero. She is depicted navigating raw, remote, and visually arresting terrains, providing the perfect backdrop for a collection defined by its layered silhouettes, dynamic styling, and an inherent readiness for the unknown.

The collection is being brought to life at the commencement of New York Fashion Week with an extraordinary window installation at Saks Fifth Avenue’s New York Flagship store. This immersive display unfolds across seven prominent windows located on 5th Avenue and 50th Street. The installation cleverly evokes shifting mountain landscapes, with three windows dedicated to showcasing vast dunes, three illustrating majestic snow-capped peaks, and the central window featuring a mesmerizing visual collision of both sand and snow. To commemorate the unveiling of this installation, live runway models, impeccably dressed in styles from the Moncler x EE72 by Edward Enninful collection, will be featured in the windows on Wednesday. These models will walk and interact with high-definition video panels depicting the mountainous environs, before being replaced by static mannequins the following day, offering a dynamic and engaging launch experience.