CRAFTMANSHIP
EVERY PRODUCT THAT IS CAREFULLY HAND-CRAFTED HAS A UNIQUE STORY TO TELL.
Behind every such item is a history of techniques preserved over time, enriched by the life experiences of the artisans who made it. It exists as a result of a long progression through many pairs of hands.
At Descente, the whole ethos of craftsmanship is sustained by a large number of people. From the marketing team’s initial idea, the creativity of the designers develops a single concept image. That becomes the basis of a manufacturing process starting with more detailed design and the creation of paper patterns. With sportswear, there are many things to consider: what kind of pattern to follow, how it should be sewn, and what the process of production should be. As it passes through the hands of specialists in each relevant stage of development, the transition of the original flat image into a real, three-dimensional product takes shape.
The production specifications stemming from the original flat image become a multi-page document, evolving into an intricate instruction manual setting out exactly what sort of product it will become, and the detail of the steps to be taken to achieve it.
This process is at the very heart of Descente’s craftsmanship ethos.
It is here that the DNA of Descente becomes deeply imbedded in the product.
The rock upon which Descente’s ability to work through this concept-to-commercialization process stands is – as it has been since the company’s foundation – its solid core of superior technical staff. They are the ones who wrestle with the many problems and challenges that arise along the way to transforming the line drawings and concept images of the designers into the final, finished shape of the product. Tirelessly, often through repeated trial and error, they overcome the hurdles – no matter how high they are – and make the end result their own. It is their spirit of challenge and breakthrough that defines the success of Descente’s craftsmanship.
In bringing a design concept drawing to fruition as a finished product, the technicians have to pay close attention to a very wide range of issues. To ensure ultimate freedom of movement by the wearer, all of Descente's paper patterns are created using a 3D design technique known as "Motion 3D". These patterns are actually 3D garment simulations made of paper, rather than soft fabric, in order to ensure exact confirmation of the finer details. This method makes the verification process much more precise and ultimately results in superior comfort when actively worn.
The path that leads to a customer taking delivery of a superior product is a long one, but the time, the talents and the efforts of all of these craftsmen are appreciated by athletes, and everyone who truly loves sport.