T  echnological advancement is visible in almost every corner of society. While historically man may have traversed some of the world’s most remote and capricious landscapes wearing only simple garments made from natural fibres, the advent of technical fabrics is enhancing the comfort, functionality and aesthetics of specialist attire to make outdoor pursuits more appealing than ever. A pioneer of robust outerwear since it was founded in Grenoble, France in 1952, Moncler began as a manufacturer of quilted sleeping bags, and created its iconic down jacket – worn by the 1954 Italian expedition that reached the summit of K2 – for workers to wear on top of their overalls to protect them against the cold. Now renowned for merging style with technological research, Moncler is a brand of choice for snow sports professionals, and its high-performance Grenoble collection harnesses the knowledge of mountaineering experts in its technical garments designed for hostile conditions. The men’s Valmeinier jacket is one of the most impressive pieces in the range, made from three-layer, bi-stretch technical nylon with heat-sealed taped seams to give it outstanding breathability as well as maximum thermal insulation. Clean and refined, yet incredibly practical for days on the slopes, it features seamless, wind-proof horizontal pockets with contrasting colour detail and waterproof zips, in addition to a dedicated pocket for goggles, a mobile phone pocket with an internal cable port, plus handy ski-pass pockets. T H E C A R N E G I E C L U B – 45 – FUNC TIONAL FASHION Innovative materials and techniques are making outerwear warmer, tougher, lighter and more stylish, as Jemima Wilson discovers