Moncler M by Mary Katrantzou Capsule Collection — Downy Coats with Digital Prints
Watching London-based Greek fashion designer Mary Katrantzou rise to darling status within her milieu has been a rewarding experience in that it showed that the cream truly does rise to the top, that talented forces don’t have to live in obscurity, only to be recognized after death. Unlike other fashion designers who are overly concerned with commercial viability, Katrantzou approaches clothing like a painter standing before a canvas, not only fretting about the shapes and silhouettes she produces, but thinking about the artistic statement she can take via her digital prints, which are often surreal in nature. This season, Mary Katrantzou teamed up with Moncler to create a capsule collection of luxurious down jackets featuring Katrantzou’s sublime prints — and pit’s safe to say puffy winter coats have never had this much allure.
My absolute favorite piece in the collection is the Moncler M by Mary Katrantzou Jade Caravan Print Down Peplum Jacket ($3,610 at TheCorner.com), shown above at top, a stunning down jacket with a drawstring waist and a pleated flare hem that creates a cheeky peplum effect. The coat’s exterior is made of a polyester and silk blend, while it’s interior is filled with down feathers to keep you extra cozy. In addition to its peplum shape and high collar, what’s particularly striking about this garment is its caravan print, which has a lovely arabesque pattern that feels like it was plucked from the Alhambra in Andalusia, Spain. The jewel tones utilized for the print, meanwhile, heighten the luxurious feel.
If the peplum shape won your heart, another great option is the Moncler M by Mary Katrantzou Pow Blossom Print Peplum Down Coat ($2,502 at MatchesFashion.com), pictured seventh above, which features an all-over digital print of Asian-inspired blossoms, a drawstring waist closure, a flared peplum hemline, and a mandarin collar that reinforces the Eastern inspiration behind the print. On a design level, part of what makes the print so effective is that warm colors prevail throughout most of the piece — with shades of ecru, light pink, amber brown, and coral orange dominating — but the collar and the bottom of the ruffled hem both feature deeper turquoise tones and darker burnt orange hues that make the print have more pop.
If you’re a fan of more traditional puffer coat shapes, then check out the Moncler M by Mary Katrantzou Fiest Blossom Nylon Taffeta Down Jacket ($2,170 at TheCorner.com), shown second from top, which features an all-over floral print with a distinctly Asian inspiration, a lovely museum-worthy scene that integrates tree branches and what appears to be laurel blossoms. This jacket features a ribbed collar and ribbed cuffs, as well as two side slit pockets and a front zip closure. The Moncler M by Mary Katrantzou Fiest Barbed Wire Taffeta Down Jacket ($1,635 at TheCorner.com), shown fifth above, shares the same silhouette but features an edgier print featuring coils of barbed wire against scattered flowers that together create a push-and-pull between toughness and softness.
Those looking for longer coats, meanwhile, can choose between several knee-length numbers. Take, for instance, the Moncler M by Mary Katrantzou Marbled Print Padded Coat ($1,066.38 at FarFetch.com), shown third above, a deep sapphire blue coat with a black marbled print, a trench-like silhouette including a layered flap at the chest, a high standing collar, and a flared and lightly pleaded hemline. Another standout is the Moncler M by Mary Katrantzou Birdy Jacquard Down Coat ($4,603 at MatchesFashion.com), shown fourth above, which features more of a body-conscious silhouette. The collarless coat features a rounded neckline, long sleeves, and a zipper along the center. The jacquard print, meanwhile, incorporates red, blue, light gray and black birds against a white backdrop . All-over piping details, meanwhile, work to streamline the silhouette and make the coat appear less bulky.
If you actually prefer voluminous coat silhouettes, then you’ll get a kick out of the structural, geometric form of the Moncler M by Mary Katrantzou Geometric Padded Jacket ($1,491.27 at FarFetch.com), pictured sixth above. This black-and-white, padded down jacket features a cocoon-like form, side seam pockets, long sleeves, and a round neckline. The geometric print, meanwhile, is reminiscent of cuban chain link strands, giving the piece a modern edge that is, in turn, contrasted by the built-in black leather belt, which features a tooled, raised baroque motif.
Another voluminous coat is the Moncler M by Mary Katrantzou Boom Faillete Print Down Coat ($2,101 at MatchesFashion.com), shown last above, which features a round neck and 3/4-length sleeves, along with contrasting dark navy leather paneling along the bottom half of the sleeves and along the zippered side pockets.
Clearly, given their price tags, these are aspirational items but, given how functional they’ll prove to be on frigid winter days and their status as wearable pieces of art, they’re definitely worthy objects of desire.
