Recently, I was lucky enough to be one of a small number of global editors afforded a front-row seat to witness some of the world’s greatest talents flex their creativity with exclusive collections for the Moncler City of Genius exhibition in Shanghai. Bringing together this global talent to design limited-edition pieces for a one-night-only showcase proved to be one of the most successful collaborations the fashion industry has seen.
On a cool Saturday evening in October, I found myself in a metaphorical post-apocalyptic world. Moncler, the Italian luxury brand, transformed part of Shanghai into a vibrant metropolis of creativity, redefining the boundaries of fashion and culture. A 30,000-square-metre immersive experience took over the historic CSSC Pavilion, a sprawling shipyard on the Huangpu River.
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The live event attracted 8,000 guests to experience ten distinctively different neighbourhoods conceived by ten different global creatives, culminating in the Moncler: The City of Genius. The event celebrated Shanghai’s rich cultural heritage and innovative spirit, fostering a dialogue between local and international talent. By embracing diversity and collaboration, the evening was alive with the power of creativity, emphasising the ability to transcend borders and inspire new possibilities.
This year’s Genius project brought together a diverse group of visionary designers, each with a unique perspective on luxury and style. Each collaborator was tasked with creating their own distinct neighbourhood, in which they hosted a runway show every hour, with models dressed in looks that were undeniably Moncler in nature yet reflective of the collaborators’ individual creative vision.
Not wanting to restrict the process to the realm of fashion, this year saw partnerships with musicians such as A$AP Rocky (Rihanna’s partner), Edward Enninful (ex-EIC of British Vogue), Japanese fashion designer, DJ, record producer and entrepreneur Nigo, who reimagined a Mercedes G Wagon complete with Moncler padding, Donald Glover (commonly known for his stage name of Childish Gambino). Willow Smith, the singer and actress, presented a collection that embodied youth culture and individuality. While multifaceted cross-disciplinary designer and artist Lulu Li employed gravity-defying proportions to magnificent effect.
Then there were the fashion designers, Rick Owens was brought back for another year, showcasing just why he remains the master of the streets, while Palm Angels brought a youthful energy, taking inspiration from the world of retro motor racing, the collection featured vibrant colours, bold graphics, and a playful spirit that captured the essence of the brand. Arguably the most anticipated collaboration and new addition was with Jil Sander by Luke and Lucie Meier.
The City of Genius was more than just a fashion show; it was a cultural phenomenon that celebrated creativity, diversity, and innovation. By bringing together such a diverse group of designers, Moncler has demonstrated the power of collaboration and the limitless possibilities of fashion.
Edward Enninful
Where we survive the elements
Envisioning a future where fashion is both protection and comfort, the Moncler x Edward Enninful collection reflects on the elements with a wardrobe for the fashionable nomadic adventurer.
Jil Sander
Where humans and nature connect
Lucie and Luke Meier’s purist Jil Sander vision comes full circle in the house’s debut Genius collection. Designs explore the round and soft, informed by the volume and lightness of Moncler’s down quilting and cocooning silhouettes – and nature itself.
A$AP Rocky
Where retro ski meets future sound
Moncler’s alpine outerwear codes were reimagined. Full looks featured moto and biker-inflected accents: protective shoulder, knee, and elbow pads, ribbed panels, heavily padded vests, gauntlet gloves, and helmet-like trapper hats.
Mercedes-Benz and Nigo
Where the future is driven by the past
Project Mercedes-Benz G -Class Past II Future, reinterprets the iconic 90s G-Class as a standout art piece, masterfully merging Moncler’s puffy and cushioned aesthetic with Mercedes-Benz’s crisp and clean lines.
Rick Owens
Where fashion meets architecture
A subversively sophisticated fusion of brand codes that leans into Moncler’s signature radiance quilting with oversized puffers and flight jackets, sweeping robes, and showstopping capes in sleek textures of black, dust, and white.
