Crescent Down Works traces its roots back to Anne Michelson’s early work with outdoor clothing giant Eddie Bauer, where she helped set up their very first down testing lab. Her expertise in measuring down and assessing loft quickly made a mark on industry standards, shaping the way quality down is tested and understood today. Inspired by this deep knowledge, Anne went on to create her own line of down jackets under the Crescent Down Works name, combining her technical know-how with the designs that were dominating outdoor clothing at the time.

After showing at trade shows, Crescent Down Works was quickly picked up by stores in Italy and Japan, before wholesaling became their primary focus in 1980. Their first factory in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighbourhood was a true family affair, with Anne’s children, Annie and Adam, growing up in the factory alongside the team of sewers.

Today, Annie runs the factory alongside her mother and brother, continuing the family legacy. Over the years, the factory has supported a community of skilled sewers, designers, and pattern makers, including head sewer Lam Ngoc, who has over 30 years of experience. The brand remains dedicated to in-house manufacturing and prioritises the wellbeing and skills of its production team.

Because Crescent Down Works manufactures its own products and runs its own factory, the brand has the freedom to collaborate with likeminded partners. Over the years, it has partnered on creative projects with an array of brands and supplied down jackets for both film and television. Its wholesale network has also remained strong, with long-standing retail partners across the globe.