Duvetica

There`s down and down 

Or perhaps we should say, more importantly, there is down and feather. For although both form the plumage of geese and ducks, there is a big different between feather and down. Down is a three-dimensional flock without the central shaft typical of feathers. This flock is composed of a central nucleus and numerous, ultra-fine elastic filaments which are the reason for its unparalleled insulation qualities.

Down is the most noble component of plumage although, unlike feather, there is very little of it, from 20g to maximum 35g on any bird. Hence its great value. The weight of a single flock may be even ten times lower than that of the smallest feather; so it is no wonder that there may be over 500 of these flocks in just one gram of goose down.

This enormous difference means that a filling`s quality is measured in the percentage of down compared to the amount of feather. Even though a minimal amount of small feather, but no more than 10%, gives a greater elasticity, greater quantities of down automatically produce a better-quality filling in terms of softness, lightness and volume.

Therefore, the best filling is composed of no less than 90% down and no more than 10% small feathers.

We started by saying that there`s down and down.

Down is unique. There is nothing like it in nature and no laboratory could reproduce its insulating and hygroscopic qualities, which are what make it so exceptionally comfortable.

Down quality is evaluated by testing in laboratory its “filling-power”, means the down`s capacity to fill volume together with its resilience capacity.

The higher a down`s filling-power, the better a filling`s performance in terms of lightness, heat and comfort.

The size and density of the filaments of each flock determine the filling-power; from this comes the difference between the flocks from geese and from ducks. Duck flock has the same structure as goose flock, but it is smaller and have fewer filaments. This means that duck down inevitably has a lower filling-power. There is also a difference in the down from white or grey bird varieties. Down from a grey goose or duck is generally of better quality than that of a white goose or duck.

Down is, therefore, quite a simple matter, there are no “magic formulas” made up of blends of different origins. The best down is, without any doubt, the goose down and, more specifically, the grey goose down in an ideal ratio of 90% down and 10% feather.

This is the only kind of down Duvetica uses to pad its garments.

Unfortunately, rather lax international regulations leave a great deal of room for descriptions which mislead consumers. In fact although it is true that the designation “pure goose down” may be used only for fillings composed exclusively of goose down and feather, such as those by Duvetica, the same cannot be said for the designation “goose down”, which can even be used for goose/duck blends where the duck down can reach even 30%!!

The qualities of down are expressed above all but not only by its filling-power; another indicator is the durability of its qualities.

The way seese are raised and the down collecting technique have a great effect on a down`s qualities. The finest down comes from birds raised in extensive areas with plenty of water and a totally natural diet. These conditions are certainly not found in industrial breeding units.

In any case, grey geese do not adapt to similar facilities.

Regions of origin, breeding methods and diety form the basis for high-quality down production.

Having decided to use only the finest, most valued grey goose down, Duvetica became involved not only in monitoring and supervising activities in production areas, but also in investing in Research & Development programme aimed at maintaining and improving grey goose down quality. In this regard, Duvetica directly participates in an experimental ptojects specifically conceived and developed in partnership with the Experimental Centre of Coulaures, in the Perigord Region, established under the aegis of the European Community and the French State.

Minimum chemical-impact washing and drying processes preserve the down`s natural waterproof characteristics. Feathers, small feathers and down are separated by a mechanical blowing process. This is done in a compartmental chamber plant, still built almost entirely of wood to avoid electrostatic charges.

Separation is an extremely delicate process requiring constant supervision to ensure the product that falls into the last compartment is perfectly in line with set standards of down and small feather blends.

Anti-bacterial, sterilising and drying processes comply with stringent EU regulations. Specifically-designed equipment manages, monitors and registers these procedures. The characteristics of each batch of processed down are tested and measured by a specialized testing laboratory which then certifies the down`s technical and hygienic specifications. The storage of the final product is done using huge and very resistant perspirant saks. 

Nature`s gift 

From the heart of Perigord, the grey goose down. A gift of Nature carefully preserved and protected by the skilled artisans of this beautiful region of France.

Duvetica is proud to have perceived and appreciated its exclusive value, promoting and showing it in the world leading boutiques.