Scandinavia House, Park/38th Street
NYC
Words/Images Judith Ecochard
EASILY===one of the most fashionable tech outerwear brands we ever laid eyeballs on at Outdoor Retailer...belongs to 66°NORTH, a highly functioning Icelandic brand---making apparel that passes muster- for Leifur Orn Svavarsson, "senior member of the Icelandic Search and Rescue Team, expedition leader for the Icelandic Mountain Guides and one of Iceland's most acclaimed explorers and expeditioners."
At the architectural stunning, light filled Scandinavia House -a stone's throw from Manhattan's bustling Grand Central...was a smart choice to acquaint the rest of the NY media with what we already knew...
That cutting edge performance fabrics and textile treatments like eVent®, Polartec® (in its many forms), PrimaLoft® One, Pertex Shield DS, etc...all provide SERIOUS superior moisture management, windproof, waterproof or highly water resistant, heat retaining/insulation and cutting edge trims (fleece lined zippers, seamless stitching, thumb cuffs, protective high collars)...are a given for outwear by 66° NORTH .
PLUS---that form fitting, on trend silhouettes, warmth without the bulk...and wearable, sometimes with four way move-ability---are characteristics of smart apparel.
We think... high fashionista labels just do not have all the above...they sell based on their names. Labels like 66° NORTH that are not known as well---really have what it takes to protect against the elements with pizazz.
The second floor was the locale for the show...with cocktails fueled by REYKA Vodka
...and typical tasty Icelandic treats and chocolates we scooped up like there was no tomorrow...
There was no run of show...a characteristic of European runway shows we attend...but we did get the Winter Workbook 2011 and can reference some of what we saw on the catwalk.
Kudos to the models that did not break a sweat...
AND---we especially liked this gal.
She walked so slowly that the female to our left quipped, "Mister Jay would not approve," in reference to the observant Jay on the reality show-Tyra Banks helmed, fabulous America's Next Top Model.
We loved how on target every look is ---certainly worthy of any international swanky sleek city locale...or a Euro chic après-ski soireé.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Hoods everywhere-classic polar worthy...including this limited edition plaid.
Bold zippers...functional and visual statements.
Casual wear...with pockets---in and outside of garments---well placed, lie flat.
Color Palette-rich neutrals lifted from the volcanic Icelandic landscape...and the down pieces were warm looking and designed with an understanding of the human form.
With most attire---or at least some of the separates...ready to handle Arctic expeditions or seriously challenging mountain trails when the mercury dips.
INFO: 66°North is sold in select brick and mortar boutiques...in NYC try the hip concept shop-KISAN, for the kids clothes-DUMBO's Half Pint Citizens and online @66°NORTH
NYC
Words/Images Judith Ecochard
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| Gola Women's Jacket-a flattering item---of durable wool blend with windstop membrane, brushed fleece lining |
EASILY===one of the most fashionable tech outerwear brands we ever laid eyeballs on at Outdoor Retailer...belongs to 66°NORTH, a highly functioning Icelandic brand---making apparel that passes muster- for Leifur Orn Svavarsson, "senior member of the Icelandic Search and Rescue Team, expedition leader for the Icelandic Mountain Guides and one of Iceland's most acclaimed explorers and expeditioners."
 |
| Terrific Accessories like this Aeoey Tunnel Neck 80% Lambswool/20% Nylon |
At the architectural stunning, light filled Scandinavia House -a stone's throw from Manhattan's bustling Grand Central...was a smart choice to acquaint the rest of the NY media with what we already knew...
 |
| Snaefell Down Parka- Feminine&Warm |
That cutting edge performance fabrics and textile treatments like eVent®, Polartec® (in its many forms), PrimaLoft® One, Pertex Shield DS, etc...all provide SERIOUS superior moisture management, windproof, waterproof or highly water resistant, heat retaining/insulation and cutting edge trims (fleece lined zippers, seamless stitching, thumb cuffs, protective high collars)...are a given for outwear by 66° NORTH .
PLUS---that form fitting, on trend silhouettes, warmth without the bulk...and wearable, sometimes with four way move-ability---are characteristics of smart apparel.
We think... high fashionista labels just do not have all the above...they sell based on their names. Labels like 66° NORTH that are not known as well---really have what it takes to protect against the elements with pizazz.
The second floor was the locale for the show...with cocktails fueled by REYKA Vodka
...and typical tasty Icelandic treats and chocolates we scooped up like there was no tomorrow...
There was no run of show...a characteristic of European runway shows we attend...but we did get the Winter Workbook 2011 and can reference some of what we saw on the catwalk.
 |
| Vindur Women's Jacket+fashionable and rugged! In unique wool blend and windproof membrane+ stylish silhouette. Articulated elbows, adjustable cuffsm drawcord in hem and hood, two lower, one inner posckts. |
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Vatnajokupp Primaloft Jacket with 100% Nylon rip stop/DWR finish. Lightweight, exceptionally warm, compressible insulated with PrimaLoft® microfibre blend that is soft, warm and lightweight. Form fitting hood with extra high collar, two zipped outer warming pockets, one inner, elastic binding at sleeves, hood and hem keeps that shape. |
Kudos to the models that did not break a sweat...
AND---we especially liked this gal.
She walked so slowly that the female to our left quipped, "Mister Jay would not approve," in reference to the observant Jay on the reality show-Tyra Banks helmed, fabulous America's Next Top Model.
Maybe true but we were able to take lots of images of her.
 |
| Love-the Fisherman's Duffle Bag---waterproof!!! |
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| A highlight: VATNAJOKULL-water resistant nylon Coat with packable hood, dual slider front zipper, articulated elbows, PrimaLoft® microfiberfilling -soft, lightweight, water repellant, 2 exterior zipped hand warming and interior pockets. |
We loved how on target every look is ---certainly worthy of any international swanky sleek city locale...or a Euro chic après-ski soireé.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Hoods everywhere-classic polar worthy...including this limited edition plaid.
 |
| Vindur Special Edition in trendy corduroy, windproof and water repellant fabric... with articulated elbows, adjustable cuffs, drawcord in hem and hood, two lower and inner pockets, |
Bold zippers...functional and visual statements.
Casual wear...with pockets---in and outside of garments---well placed, lie flat.
 |
| Logn Zipped Sweater |
Color Palette-rich neutrals lifted from the volcanic Icelandic landscape...and the down pieces were warm looking and designed with an understanding of the human form.
With most attire---or at least some of the separates...ready to handle Arctic expeditions or seriously challenging mountain trails when the mercury dips.
 |
| Fisherman's Trunk-100% Nylon, waterproof |
INFO: 66°North is sold in select brick and mortar boutiques...in NYC try the hip concept shop-KISAN, for the kids clothes-DUMBO's Half Pint Citizens and online @66°NORTH