Glacially Cool

Heritage technical expertise combined with LFW rising talent, sign us up. We always appreciate seeing established brands collaborating with young, independent designers and coat experts 66 North has done just this, choosing to combine their functional knowledge with Charlie Constantinou’s sustainable and avant-garde fabrications for a second season. 

After graduating from Central Saint Martins, Charlie launched his namesake brand in 2022. He garnered quick attention from fashion-forward retailers like Ssense, and was a finalist for the LVMH prize in 2023. For such a new brand, he already has a cultish reputation with his expressive, gorp-core aesthetic. The avant-garde silhouettes can move from bulky and organic to structured and fitted through the use of his signature shrunken quilting technique, allowing the garment to fit any body. With zip-off features and adjustable bungee straps, the wearer can also change the piece into multiple forms and sizes to fit our changing climate today. 

66 North, a certified B Corporation, is known for its circular approach to technical outerwear design inspired by its long work outfitting the Icelandic Emergency services teams. Together with Charlie, they have created a collection that celebrates both their unique DNAs. With both brands prioritising a holistic approach to circularity, the collection uses deadstock fabrics from 66 North’s factory, an eco-friendly mineral dying process using elements from nature, and sustainably made yarn. Similarly to season one, multi-functionality was key, producing pieces that can withstand both the extreme weathers of Iceland and the milder city weather for us commuters. Whether you’re trekking through glaciers or braving the Central Line, these pieces are built to keep you comfortable.

With 66 North’s 100-year heritage and Constatinou’s contemporary creative talent, the combination of the brand worlds has resulted in a uniquely crafted output. The hero piece for this season is the ‘Signature Quilt Jacket’, of which the detailed process takes four days to complete, and is accompanied by the ‘Signature Quilt Backpack’ of the same materials. Made from down compartments, a bubble effect is created and highly elastic thread is used which is said to give the jacket exceptional stretchability. 

66 North’s Icelandic home was the main inspiration for the collection, with the collaboration campaign showcasing models braving the harsh elements on volcanoes and glaciers. Let’s be frank, we won’t be testing them out quite to the extent they did, but we’re totally up for embracing glacial, cool style that doesn’t compromise on ethics or quality, whether in the mountains or in the city streets.