"PYRENEX" Down Jackets Focusing on the "MADE IN FRANCE" Down

PYRENEX, representing French down wear brand, PYRENEX, has a roots as a down manufacturer that has continued for more than 160 years, and continues to offer down jackets with a focus on the "MADE IN FRANCE" down.

This time, we spoke with Isao Mukai of Griffin International Ltd. about the roots of PYRENEX, its items, and its commitment to fine down.

“To start with the roots of PYRENEX, we established 'ABEL CRABOS & FILS' in 1859 as a company that processes down in the town of Saint-Sever, at the foot of the Pyrenees Mountains in southwestern France.

"The founder was a person named Abel Crabos, the same as the company name, and for five generations, the Crabos family continued on managing the business, which has now been developed as PYRENEX.”

Meeting with Adventurer Louis Audoubert

Now that we understand the roots of PYRENEX, let’s talk about how they began making down wear. There was one adventurer behind this story.

“Besides the down production business, we were also making down bedding such as comforters, but starting in the 1960s, we began to produce outdoor products, including down jackets and sleeping bags.

"Those items became popular among mountaineers and outdoor enthusiasts, which led us to focus on producing apparel that could be used in outdoor scenes and winter sports like skiing, appointing adventurer Louis Audoubert as a technical advisor.

"He is a legendary figure not only in France but across Europe, having climbed the mountains of Europe and opened numerous climbing routes. In this way, PYRENEX was able to create many functional down jackets.”

“Then, in the 1970s to 1980s, down jackets that had been used for outdoor activities and winter sports began to be worn as casual wear in the city. PYRENEX continued to create new products while maintaining the high quality achieved through their unique know-how, expanding their field as one of France's leading down wear brands.”

Now, let’s take a look at the PYRENEX items currently being released.

The fifth generation of PYRENEX has created products with a greater focus on the fashion scene. Using the lab within their factory, they continue to insist on using down sourced from MADE IN FRANCE, making it high-spec with excellent thermal insulation rated at 700-850 fill power［1］.

“First, let me introduce you to PYRENEX's iconic item, the 'SPOUTNIC MINI RIP STOP 2.'

"This is a practical, versatile, and timeless down jacket, featuring a lightweight yet highly durable polyester mini ripstop as an outer shell. It comes in a rich variety of colors, available in seven shades, and has been a bestseller in France for many years.”

Minimalist Design "SOULOM" Inspired by Flight Jackets

Next, let’s introduce an item designed specifically for the Japanese market. Since Griffin International became the Japanese distributor in 2016, items that consider the Japanese market, trends, and fit have emerged.

“The 'SOULOM' is a minimalist-design down jacket inspired by flight jackets.

"The outer material is made from high-density woven polyester gabardine, which is 100% recycled material. It features a sophisticated sheen and a dry touch.

"The front zip is designed with a concealed placket, and military-style flap pockets are placed on both sides, creating a casual yet sophisticated impression.”

PYRENEX's Top Down Jacket Series: "SAINT-SEVER 1859"

Next, let’s introduce another item from the premium series called 'SAINT-SEVER 1859.'

"The SAINT-SEVER 1859, the top series from PYRENEX, is entirely MADE IN FRANCE, from down production to sewing. The down used is high-quality French duck down known as 'LEGEND 1859,' which boasts excellent insulation properties.

"This model is a Japan-exclusive version called 'BARRY 3 MAT,' the main item in the series, featuring a technology fabric known as 'Tube' that does not employ quilt stitching. The down quilted section may appear to be stitched, but it is actually made from a fabric with a special weaving technique where the threads cross over.

"Due to the limited lineup and production quantity of this series, it possesses a high level of rarity, and the craftsmanship of PYRENEX is deeply infused within it."

Expertise in Down Processing Cultivated Over 160 Years

PYRENEX's greatest commitment lies in the MADE IN FRANCE down. Lastly, let’s take a look at the lab environment.

"The down processing begins with the washing process of raw wool before it becomes down. In the first wash, we reduce the oil content to 3%. Raw wool contains 15% to 18% oil, but we do not eliminate it entirely. This is because, similar to human hair, some oil content is necessary to prevent the structure from breaking down and to ensure that the down can fully demonstrate its original capabilities.

"After that, the down is dried using hot air at 110℃. This step also has a sterilization effect that eliminates bacteria and stabilizes the down, allowing for long-term storage.

"It is then sorted through five stages to become sellable down. PYRENEX has been dedicated to this down processing for over 160 years, reflecting a wealth of expertise gained during that time."

Having explored PYRENEX's deep knowledge and history of down, we hope you can appreciate the charm of each model. PYRENEX products are currently available at the flagship store in Ginza and select shops nationwide. We invite you to experience the warmth of high-quality French down.