NEW YORK – For those of us frustrated by constantly having to make the choice between being comfortable and looking good 66° North, the national clothing brand of Iceland, blazes onto the U.S. fashion scene with a solution. Using patented eVent technology, a direct venting waterproof barrier which allows perspiration to dissipate without saturating the fabric, each 66°North creation will keep you warm and dry all winter long. At the core of eVENT Fabric is an ePTFE (expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene) film which is completely oil-repellant, and thereby free from body-oil contamination, this prevents the permeation of water from the outside, but allows perspiration from the inside to escape through the membrane's microscopic vents. This allows for a unique method of breathability that provides a huge and highly noticeable comfort advantage for the user. The eVENT family of fabrics are the smartest choice for athletes and adventurers who need and demand the highest possible performance and comfort from their apparel. With seamless shoulders and a fitted silhouette, 66°North keeps customers looking streamlined, sleek and stylish in a way Nordic people have become famous for. eVent technology can be found in the Bláfell jacket and the Glymur jacket and pants. For an exclusive preview of the 66°North 2005 collection or to schedule an interview with 66°North President Sharon Prince, interested media please contact Workhouse Publicity publicist Erica Fox directly by telephone 212. 645. 8006 or via email fox@workhousepr.com.  

Since 1926, 66°North has manufactured clothing for agricultural and construction work, seamen’s apparel and protective gear of many kinds as well as clothing for outdoor and leisure activities which has developed into the brand’s fastest growing export line. Among 66°North’s most energetic researchers are extreme athletes and Icelandic Search and Rescue teams (ICE-SAR), bands of brave men and women trained to work under extreme conditions at sea and on land, who have gained fame for their daring exploits. 66°North outfits them with the latest, most advanced gear and they test it and report what works well and what needs improvement. Akin to ICE-SAR, the renowned Mt. Washington Ski Patrol is now outfitted by 66°North, extending their testing ground in the U.S. Windproof, waterproof, new breathable materials, many kinds of fleece and other textiles undergo tough, real-life tests in this real-life laboratory. 66°North produces a line of technical outerwear, mid-layer, base layer and accessories for men, women and children. Their hallmark is the brands trim-fitting, minimalist designs which have to satisfy the demanding Icelandic consumer.

66° NORTH Iceland
Established in 1926, 66°North is considered the national clothing brand of Iceland. For over 79 years, 66°North has been at the forefront of high-tech outerwear with a collection of durable, form-fitted garments. One of the most trusted and proven brands of protective wear in Europe, each item is perfected through rigorous testing by Icelandic rescue teams, parents dressing their kids for school as well as fit, fashionable Icelanders themselves. The brainchild of Hans Kristjansson, who began producing protective clothing for the commercial fisherman of Sugandafjord, quality and performance has always been essential to Icelanders who have learned to co-exist harmoniously with nature’s extremes. The name reflects the latitude line located at the edge of the Arctic Circle which intersects with Iceland at its northern most parts. Iceland, on the borderline of the Arctic Circle, has often been considered on the borderline of human habitation. Conditions can be extreme and in the course of its existence, Icelanders have had to develop both the mentality to meet the challenges and the physical means to do so. This includes discovering and developing suitable clothing for work and travel in all kinds of weather, for farmers and fisherman alike and all those who have had to brave the climate. Centuries of battling snowstorms and the windy heights to bring home sheep and fighting heavy seas to haul in rich catches of fish have seen the gradual development of even better protective gear and for more than three-quarters of a century 66°North has been a part of this development. Since 1926, 66°North has manufactured clothing for agricultural and construction work, seamen’s apparel and protective gear of many kinds as well as clothing for outdoor and leisure activities which has developed into the brand’s fastest growing export line. Among the 66°North’s most energetic researchers are extreme athletes and Icelandic Search and Rescue teams (ICE-SAR), bands of brave men and women, trained to work under extreme conditions at sea and on land, who have gained fame for many daring exploits. 66°North outfits them with the latest, most advanced gear and they test it and report what works well and what needs improvement. Akin to ICE-SAR, the renowned Mt. Washington Ski Patrol is now outfitted by 66°North, extending their testing ground in the U.S. Windproof, waterproof, new breathable materials, many kinds of fleece and other textiles undergo tough, real-life tests in this real-life laboratory. 66°North produces a line of technical outerwear, mid-layer, base layer and accessories for men, women and children. Their hallmark is the brands trim-fitting, minimalist designs which have to satisfy the demanding Icelandic consumer. Rather than add superfluous features, they prefer to incorporate only what is necessary for peak performance. Modern materials such as eVENT, Entrant GII-DT, Schoeller and Polartec provide the utmost protection. The garments insulate while keeping a comfortable, dry microenvironment next to the skin. Children’s wear is designed to match the quality of the high performance adults wear because Icelandic children live and play outside all of the time both in good and bad weather. As they say, there is no bad weather, if you have the right gear. Advocates of the brand include Scarlett Johansson, Julia Stiles, Jude Law, Ewan McGregor, Uma Thurman,  Michael Bey, Liev Schreiber, Forrest Whittacker, and the President of the Explorers Club, NYC Richard Wiese. Available at Cole Sport,Hickory & Tweed, Urban Outfitters, Fred Segal and fine stores everywhere. For more information please visit www.66northus.com