CherPhoto: Courtesy of Yvonne Tnt/BFA.com
On Thursday night, Moncler opened the doors to its new 23,680-square-foot flagship on Fifth Avenue—making it officially the brand’s largest store in the world.
Between the A-list faces, who showed up in the brand from head-to-toe, and a crowd of hundreds, the ribbon cutting was perhaps the liveliest Flatiron District retail store opening ever. Despite the 86-degree, balmy September day, the Monclers were out in force, too. A few brave folk donned classic down jackets, like Jordan Clarkson in a custom one-of-one Knicks-appointed blue and orange bomber. Meanwhile Serena Williams opted for a white padded skirt, Olivia Palermo layered a lightweight shacket, and Future opted for a technical tracksuit.
Friends of the brand reminisced on their favorite Moncler moments. Cher, whose arrival garnered shrieks of excitement and eager whispers from Jessica Chastain. “I have a Moncler that I love especially. I got it in Monte Carlo, and it’s a little vest and it was sparkly—so of course I was drawn to it,” Cher told Vogue.
Cher’s fondness was echoed by the others. “The beautiful thing about the Courchevel show was that there was a major snowstorm, and we all were in these huge hooded white coats—like ponchos,” Chastain added. “And it felt so special to all be together with our hooded ponchos in this snowstorm watching this incredible show. It felt like such a community.”
As endless trays carrying canapés, Champagne, and cocktails did the rounds, guests navigated the puffer labyrinth while enjoying DJ sets by Mark Ronson and Carlita. Later on in the evening, it was time for round two, as people made their way into awaiting black cars for the second act of the evening.
Throngs of eager spectators flanked the doors to Gotham Hall, as the star-studded guest list made their way inside. At the bar, actors Julia Roberts and Penn Badgley were engaged in animated conversation, as Anne Hathaway beamed in her Canadian tux while hanging out on a couch with Chastain. A sporty duo of Colin Kaepernick and Odell Beckham Jr. also mingled nearby.
Inside the dining hall, a mirrored ceiling, specially installed for the night, reflected the arboreal landscape below. Think: mountain-meets-metropolis in a magical woodland wonderland. The evening’s menu was prepared by Eleven Madison Park’s three-Michelin-starred chef Daniel Humm—and the food was as impressive as its creator’s resume. Starters, consisting of an heirloom tomato salad with basil and goat cheese, a signature ‘Humm Hotdog’ with black truffle and gruyere, and laminated bread with corn and allium were followed by a main course of roasted chicken and a creamy polenta side. To end the experience, a seasonal berry and quark dessert was complemented by assorted mignardises.
Although the mega Moncler-meets-Manhattan celebration eventually came to a close, a line from the menu’s vignette summed up the evening perfectly: “A story that started when snow met concrete.”
