Giambattista Valli, Spring/Summer 08.

It was announced today that designer Giambattista Valli–best known for his frothy eponymous line as well as the confections he whipped up while helming Emanuel Ungaro–will now be the creative director for French luxe sportswear label, Moncler. If the name doesn’t ring a bell, fret not: With the Sundance film festival just around the corner, you can be sure that many Moncler-on-celeb-spottings will abound.

One of Moncler’s signature puffer

Valli will helm the most sumptuous of Moncler’s collections, the Gamma Rouge line, whose pieces are meant to be posh enough to wear on the slopes and to the opera. “To my mind, Moncler now represents a status symbol that is comparable to an I-Pod or a tailor-made suit,” says Valli of his new post, “This is what fascinates and stimulates me in projecting the innovative and personal interpretation of the Moncler Gamme Rouge collection.” Here’s hoping his will come festooned with feathers, ruffles, and more.

*Images: Wire/Moncler