High tech to protect Moncler down jackets from counterfeiting

On Monday, luxury down jacket manufacturer Moncler announced it will install special microchips, starting with its Spring-Summer 2016 collection, to protect its products from counterfeiting.

"Starting from the Spring-Summer 2016 collection, all Moncler products will be equipped with a revolutionary anti-counterfeiting system, using the most recent RFID (radio-frequency identification) technology," the group has stated in a press release.

Basically, the system consists of a microchip, of the type "generally used for payments, which is utilised in this case to confirm the product's authenticity," through a series of dedicated apps which customers can download on their mobile devices.

Moncler was created near Grenoble (in the French Alps) and was acquired in 2003 by Italian businessman Remo Ruffini, when it was close to collapse. It was the first brand to target the urban segment with its luxury down jackets.

Afterwards, Moncler's growth was lightning fast. The brand has diversified into footwear, knitwear and accessories, while its 'Gamme Bleu' (Blue range) collection regularly puts on a great show at the Milan Fashion Week.

In the press release, the group mentions how since 2009 it has adopted "a wide-ranging programme" in defence of its customers, including the launch of anti-counterfeiting labels as of 2013, bearing numbers which customers can check on Moncler's website.