WHAT'S THE STORY
The Future – Who?
Nicolas Bargi has entrenched sustainability in his brand from the outset. The B Corp certification is the latest milestone of the Milan-based company. Save the Duck completed the audit with 95 out of 100 points. 80 points would have been enough to pass, but not enough for Bargi.
SAVE THE DUCK
WHEN THE GOOD GROW Since its foundation, the Italian outdoor brand Save the Duck has made respect for animals and the environment its trademark. As the first Italian fashion company to meet the strict requirements of B Corp certification, CEO Nicolas Bargi and his team have set the course for a future in which environmental aspects are as important as entrepreneurial success. Also on the agenda in 2020: two special line extensions that Bargi discusses in our interview.
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hat are the goals of Save the Duck Protech and Skyscraper? Our technological research enabled us to scale Mount Everest. This technology, which is in continuous evolution, defines the rules for a jacket meant to be worn in the city. Our goal is to enhance the perception of our product and differentiate our target segment. This rings particularly true for the Skyscraper capsule collection, which we created in collaboration with Japanese designer Satoshi Yamane. It is characterised by soft lines and inspired by the spirit of the highest mountains and woody landscapes. These jackets aim at the higher fashion segment and appeal to those looking for high-performance clothing.
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style in progress
Are both lines supposed to address new targets group? Or are they an additional option for existing customer circles? Protech is aimed at existing customers. It affords them an opportunity to upgrade their look with a minimalist performance jacket for everyday life. Skyscraper, on the other hand, aims at an extended target group looking for latest design and trends from a growing Asian design community. Both are an integral part of Save the Duck’s vision of the world and nature. Will there be differences in distribution, marketing, and price? Yes, as the described targets require a new vision regarding distribution and positioning. We are aiming for the Affordable Luxury segment. Technology always leads to an increasing investment in research, which does reflect on the price. It is, however, all worth it. We sell real value for money. You once said in an interview that sport is the catalyst for all innovations in the urban outdoor segment. Is this one of the reasons for flirting with sports a little? The aim of the project is to steadily take us to the highest ranks of design and innovation, but that does not make us a sportswear brand. We believe that performance should be translated into everyday urban outerwear. Our product is not meant to enter a sports niche yet, even though we did climb Mount Everest, K2, and other incredible peaks of the world. The brand focus on animal welfare and environmental protection surely appeals to outdoor fans. It does not sound far-fetched in that context… Yes, but Protech is currently a line extension of our existing brand. Nature is always an inspiration. Designs like the ones created for the Skyscraper capsule by Satoshi draw inspiration from nature itself, which enhances our brand.
