The Icelandic outerwear brand teams up with LVMH finalist Charlie Constantinou to produce a collection made for the moody Scandinavian climate
Icelandic outerwear label 66°North has recently been moving towards a more fashion-centric approach. With Kei Toyashima – who has previously worked for Louis Vuitton, Bottega Veneta and Haider Ackermann – at its helm, the brand is on a journey to develop its offering in a new direction, using exciting collaborations as a tool: Last December, 66°North partnered with famed English rapper Shygirl, and shortly announced another hot partnership with artist James Merry, the mastermind behind Björk’s signature striking masks.
Now, 66°North has introduced its latest venture with London-based emerging designer Charlie Constantinou. Constantinou, a Central Saint Martins graduate and an LVHM prize finalist, who is known for his imaginative functional wear realised in avant-garde silhouettes and innovative techniques. His specialisation in knitwear, technical fabrics and creative dyeing methods makes him an ideal partner for 66°North, with whom he has created a capsule collection.
Photo: 66°North x Charlie Constantinou capsule
“When we set our eyes on London for the opening of our European flagship store, we wanted to find a local talent that we firmly believed did not only have talent but also the ambition to make something spectacular,” explains 66°North CEO Helgi Oskarsson. “After having spoken with Charlie and going through his work, I was convinced that he was the perfect talent we were looking for.”
The capsule collection, boasting jackets, trousers, balaclavas and gloves made from leftover and deadstock fabrics is, in Constantinou’s words, “a combination of history, heritage and shared values.” The collaboration seamlessly merges 66°North’s Icelandic craftsmanship with Constantinou’s inventive techniques, manifesting in fashion-forward yet practical pieces adaptable for varying conditions.
Photo: 66°North x Charlie Constantinou capsule
Photo: 66°North x Charlie Constantinou capsule
“My work is centred around function and adaptability, so working with 66°North always felt very organic,” says Constantinou. “We have many shared values which formed the basis of our relationship, and I felt a lot of freedom to be able to explore ways of working which were new for 66°North.”
The designer visited 66°North’s factory in Latvia, which proved to be a great learning experience, while his journey to Iceland was one the most vital parts of creating the collection. The unique Icelandic environment has inspired the colour palette spanning earthy, muted tones of browns, whites, greens and purples. Once finished, all the pieces were put to the ultimate weather test: a red warning windstorm that engulfed the island.
The collection is sold in the 66°North London flagship store and online at ssense.com