NEW YORK–66°North, deemed by many as the national clothing brand of Iceland, reinvents streamlined fashion this winter defying the future of outerwear. Crafted in 1926 by a team of researchers in the country’s primitive landscape, 66°North validates ‘there is no bad weather if you have the right gear.’ The Gola Jacket is keeping function in winter wear by its customized fit and stylized versatility. The Gola Jacket portrays the Arctic Circle’s natural landscapes through color palates of light grey, black and ice white, wine and coffee brown. Men can enjoy the angled chest MP3 pocket while women’s curves benefit from the tapered sides making the Gola Jacket casually styled yet technically tailored for both sexes. A proven collection of performance outerwear, 66°North offers one of Iceland’s authentic treasures with a fashionability that survives all seasons keeping you stylish, warm and protected.  

“I personally adore your product that we are carrying for Fall! The Gola Jacket being my favorite, but they are all great!” - Kristin Olejarczyk, Assistant Buyer, Terry Precision Cycling

Constructed of the highest-quality Woolblend fabric complimented by its windproof membrane, the Gola Jacket exemplifies industrial performance with pre-articulated elbows, fleece lining and rounded hems.66°North represents more than a brand name and latitudinal line, it is a way of life for many and until recently, has become a symbol of creation, excellence and prime performance. For an exclusive preview of the 66°North 2006 collection or to schedule an interview with 66°North President Sharon Prince, interested media please contact Workhouse Publicists, Kara Hughett or Stephanie Sachs via email at Kara Hughett at kara@workhousepr.com or stephanie@workhousepr.com.

Also, stay tuned for Iceland’s hottest item, the Thorsmork Parka. With it’s exceptionally warm, high-quality 70/30 goose down lining, and waterproof rugged Sixtex fabric that allows moisture to pass through, but blocks rain and snow, you are guaranteed to stay cozy and fashionable come winter season. A fur lined hood that is deep enough to protect you from the unpredictable weather complements the eight front pockets that can be used to store anything from gloves to your latest MP3 player. From the remote towns of Iceland to the trendy streets of New York, both men and women can find sanctuary in the Thorsmork’s superior characteristics. Available in white, gray, black, hunter green plaid and white plaid, keep warm with distinctive Icelandic style.  

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, 66°North 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. Iceland, on the borderline of the Arctic Circle, has often been considered on the very edge of civilization. Conditions can be extreme and 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, from fishermen to sheep herders to citizens walking the streets of Reykjavik. Centuries of battling snowstorms and the windy heights to bring home sheep and fighting heavy seas to haul in rich catches of fish have evolved into a brand that, for over 80 years, has been the premier clothier for the people of Iceland – attesting to its style, quality, and functionality. 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. Available at Cole Sport, Hickory & Tweed, Urban Outfitters, Fred Segal and fine stores everywhere. For more information please visit www.66northus.com.