Showing posts with label down vests. Show all posts
Showing posts with label down vests. Show all posts

Monday, October 29, 2012

Archival Down Vests by Crescent Down Works


I really love down vests, so it was a treat to work with one of the finest down garment makers in the country on a really special project. Here's our take on a classic work/hunting vest, done with a lightweight waxed cotton shell, a nylon lining for easy layering, and a worsted wool rib collar, knitted by Washington's Centralia Knitting Mills. Made in Seattle, WA by Crescent Down Works.


The waxed cotton shell is weather-resistant and durable, much more so than the thin nylon typically used in backpacker's down vests. The collar is cozy but not so big you can't throw a jacket on over. The handwarmer pockets are stuffed with down so that your hands really stay warm. There's an inside pocket for the phone, or matches, or playing cards.


I'm very proud of this vest - it's handsome, durable, and functional clothing made in the Northwest - and that's what Archival's all about! Exclusive to Wilderness Workshop and our own web store. Very limited quantities  

We visited Crescent Down Works a few months ago, be sure to check out the report from that trip.

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Archival Field Trip - Crescent Down Works

Crescent Down Works is one of those amazing northwest companies that is better known in Japan than in the US. Crescent was founded in 1974 as a custom down vest company in Seattle, WA. The company's founder, Anne Michelson, got her start at Eddie Bauer another exemplary regional manufacturer. Crescent produces a tightly edited collection of down vests, jackets, parks, sweaters and children's clothing. I'm hugely fond of this down shirt. You can buy directly from Crescent or wishfully shop from Japanese web shops like Warehouse.


On Friday, Tom and I visited Nina, the Cutting Room Manager, to work out the details on a future Archival x Crescent collaboration (coming in Fall 2012). Here are some snap views from our visit.

Nina

North by Northwest vest in 60/40






A pint sized Italian vest

Orders packed for Japan

Special make up in wool herringbone



Best quality goose down from Pacific Coast Feather Co.