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MINUS CHIC Let’s get to know Moncler, an originally French clothing brand with a traveller’s spirit, sleek design, and top functionality in cold weather STORY  TAWAN KONKAEW • PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF BRANDS Lighter than wool coats, the down jackets became popular thanks to the warmth and light weight. When was the first time you see a quilted down jacket, and where was it? Many might never know where this innovation came from, this useful creation that has protected so many travellers from cold weather around the world. The origin of this clothing is Moncler. It was in 1952 when René Ramillon and André Vincent founded a company together to produce quilted sleeping bags, a single model of a lined cagoule and tents with a telescopie structure and outside cove under the name Moncler. The name is an abbreviation of Monestier-de-Clermont, a village in the mountains near Grenoble, France. The first quilted down…

ITALIAN MASTER Fashion fans all know Mr. Giorgio Armani, but what brought his fashion empire and brands to this level? Explore the history of Emporio Armani, a contemporary brand by the Armani Group. STORY TAWAN KONKAEW PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF BRANDS Back in the 1980s, one of the most influential fashion labels was Armani. Everyone was crazy about the broad-shoulder tailored suit like what the main character of American Gigolo wore. What’s the secret success recipe of this designer? Why is he still relevant and popular in the digital era? Mr. Giorgio Armani was born in 1934 in Piacenza, Italy. Before becoming a world-renowned designer, he was assigned to the Military Hospital in Verona, and he would attend shows at Arena di Verona, which sparked his passion for fashion. However, the brand that made the biggest buzz around the world for the group was Emporio Arman Armani found a job as a window dresser…