Correspondent
Puffer coats are a mainstay of winter. They're warm, cozy and practical. And it's what's inside the lining that makes all the difference. Traditionally, down feathers from waterbirds have been used for insulation, but alternatives are growing more popular among consumers concerned about animal welfare and environmental sustainability.
Italian brand Save The Duck, has led the way. As its name suggests, the company does not use any waterbird feathers to make its signature jackets and vests.
Save The Duck was founded in the Italian fashion capital of Milan in 2012. CEO Nicolas Bargi has been a nature lover his whole life. He says he has always been skeptical about the use of actual waterbird feathers in jackets. After seeing many companies collapse as a result of the 2008 financial crisis and credit uncertainty in Europe, Bargi decided it was time for the fashion industry to change tack.