Jony Ive — the longtime Apple designer who conceptualized the look of the iPod, iPhone and more before leaving the company in 2019 — has unveiled his first-ever clothing design, conceived in partnership with Moncler. Dubbed “LoveFrom, Moncler” for a nod to Ive’s LoveFrom design firm, the creation is a modular, 3-in-1 jacket that aims to create a satisfyingly smooth and versatile user experience.
A long-sleeve down vest serves as the base layer of the system, which has three different shell options including a chore coat, a parka, and a hooded poncho. Each part of the system is made from a single uncut piece of recycled nylon and is carefully constructed to be seamless. The peach pink, baby blue, and canary colorways featured in the preview images are soft and familiar — mirroring the pastels introduced in Ive’s iOS 7 interface rehaul in 2013.
It’s not just the mere versatility that makes the piece unique. Proprietary "Duo" buttons make for exceptionally smooth transitions between each layer, enabling a wearer to shed or add these layers as they see fit. The Duo button is Moncler and Ive’s joint invention, allowing each outer layer to fit snugly over the base. Each outer component has metal eyelets throughout, which magnetically attach to the buttons at corresponding points on the first layer.
Central to the design is the gratifying sensory experience provided by the gentle click of each button. The pleasing click is no accident: the collaborators underwent a meticulous 18-month research process to arrive at the final metal alloy that provided just the right sound.
Ive took on design leadership at Apple in 1996, laying the groundwork for the sleek design aesthetic that became synonymous with the Apple brand. His earlier pieces like the 1999 iBook G3 and the 1998 iMac are landmarks of Y2K design, which has lingered in zeitgeist for several years now. After exiting Apple, Ive established the aforementioned LoveFrom, and went on to serve diverse clients from audio equipment pioneer Linn and the Royal Family.
The LoveFrom, Moncler jacket is set for release at Moncler stores on September 24 and will be available online shortly after.
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