researching natural materials and their background: Ostrich feathers

"Most historians believe that the ostrich was first hunted thousands of years ago not for it's meat, but for it's magnificent plumage. The history of the ostrich feather is romantic and thrilling, as feathers were originally a symbol of justice in ancient Egypt and have now taken the form of exquisite creations by fashion designers."
 Ref: www.allsands.com

Uniqueness 
"The ostrich feather is so unique that mankind, with all its technology, has never been able to simulate its outstanding qualities. The natural flowing beauty of wing plumes that dress the boas used in celebrations, carnivals and shows have never been successfully reproduced synthetically because of it's impossibility. The ostrich feather is an amazing combination of softness, durability, and flexibility. Ostrich feathers are the most sought after material for the making feather dusters because of their unique ability to remain entirely static free."
Ref: www.allsands.com


Harvesting of Feathers 
"The harvesting of ostrich feathers can be performed in many ways. Sometimes, before a bird is slaughtered for meat properties, it is plucked. More often, feathers are removed from young chickens early in life. At the age of six months, most feather harvesters clip the young chicks quills. At seven months, mature body plumage is removed. At eight months, full quilling takes place. Once fully ripe feathers are harvested, a new crop of feathers will be ready for production in eight months. While some ostrich are harvested only for meat, others are harvested only for their feathers. "


TODAY 
"The feathers of the ostrich are one of the most sought after components of the ostrich. Because of their durability, unremarkable silkiness and science's inability to duplicate, time has only increased the demand for ostrich feathers. Ostrich feather production contributes to thirty percent of the gross income for ostrich farmers today, constituting a valuable source of income."
Ref: www.allsands.com


Classes of Feathers 
Main classes of ostrich feathers ;

Whites:  male's wing 
Ref: ostrich.com

Blacks: male's wing 
Ref:eastanglia.inetgiant.co.uk

Fancies: tip of the wing 
Femina:  female's wing
Ref: featherplace.com
 
Floss:  under the wing 
Ref: sixstarsales.org


Tails:  tails of the female and male.
Ref: ostrich.com


I decided to look at Ostrich feathers as i wanted them to be a part of my natural elegant a/w 2011-12 trend prediction. they are so versatile and come in a range of sizes and variety from either the male or Female. They can be died and feel will be very inspiring when the design process starts.