FALL/WINTER ISSUE O9 A E T H E R A P PA R EL.COM
J O U R N A L Outdoor Adventure, Urban Exploration, And Innovative Design
02
14
20
30
38
ICELAND
PACKING LISTS
TH E U N D I SCOV E R E D
PRO DUC T S P OTLI G HTS
ADVENTURE HOTELS
THE SPECTACULAR
TRAVEL ESSENTIALS FOR
BAC KCOU NTRY
MEN’S AND WOMEN’S
EXPERIENCES AROUND
SITE OF F/ W ’16
MEN AND WOMEN
NORTHERN ICELAND
SKI JACKETS
THE WORLD
The spectacular scenery of Northern Iceland.
0 2
Iceland
Photos by Ian Allen and Jonah Smith.
Road-tripping around Iceland.
AETHER JOURNAL
0 5
Even the name “Iceland” suggests a stark place, a location light on people and heavy on— well—freezing temperatures. While parts of that perception are certainly true, there is far more to Iceland than its moniker suggests, and with the massive increase in tourism to the European country in the last several years it’s apparent people are starting to take note of all the destination has to offer. Geographically, Iceland is defined by its stunning landscape, thick with volcanoes, glaciers, black-sand beaches, hot springs, and massive waterfalls. Many people travel to the sparsely populated country (it is home to just more than 300,000 permanent residents) to visit its largest city and capital, Reykjavik, known for a happening nightlife, a plethora of shops peddling Icelandic-wool goods, and the nearby Blue Lagoon. The country is also well-known for its Viking heritage, charming fishing villages, and dramatic shifts in light and darkness—very short winter days equate to nearly 24 hours of sunshine in the summer. But perhaps Iceland’s biggest draw is the possibility of witnessing the Northern Lights, a stunning phenomenon that creates an array of shifting colors in the sky thanks to electrically charged particles from the sun colliding with one another as they enter the earth’s atmosphere. Seeing the Northern Lights can be a matter of luck given that their visibility is dependent on weather, location (must be above the magnetic poles of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres), and light, which is exactly what makes experiencing them so special. Of Iceland’s many charms, we chose it as the site for our Fall/ Winter ’16 shoot due largely to its endless picturesque expanses, imposing mountains, and breathtaking beauty. We had ventured (c o n t i n u e d o n p a g e 0 8 )
ICELAND
One of Iceland’s many geothermal pools.
0 8
Left: The Northern Lights. Right: The Ion Jacket in Graphite.
(c o n t i n u e d f r o m p a g e 0 5 )
there once before in the spring, when we toured the island by motorcycle. The only location we have ever returned to for a shoot, Iceland is 11-plus hours from Los Angeles and an ideal place to put our clothing to the test during its intense winter months. We weartested our latest collection against frigid temperatures and multipleday mountain treks. There were grueling hikes up, long descents, and even an unfortunate wrong turn in the backcountry that resulted in a few tense moments and blind turns before finding our way safely down. Through it all we stayed warm, dry, and comfortable as we explored, skied, and drove more than 1,000 miles around the country, from Reykjavik to the northern towns of Siglufjordur (Siglo for short) and Akureyri. Our adventure concluded where it began, in the nation’s capital, where we ate fresh fish, walked the town’s charming brick roads, and toured the architecturally stunning performing arts center, Harpa. And yes, along the way, we did experience our very own Northern Lights show, a spectacular collage of moving colors that left us in awe. AETHER JOURNAL
1 0
1 1
A modern home in Northern Iceland.
1 4
Men’s Packing List
Vacuum-Insulated Bottle, AETHER x Miir, $34.
Ion Jacket in Total Eclipse, AETHER, $350.
Bridges sunglass, SALT., $490.
AETHER JOURNAL
Beoplay A1 travel speaker in Natural, B&O Play, $249.
Merino Full-Zip Sweater in Charcoal Heather, AETHER, $295.
Urbaneer Pant in Jet Black, AETHER, $225. Cashmere Scarf in Total Eclipse, AETHER, $165.
PAC K I N G L I S T - M
The Passage Jacket in Total Eclipse Heather.
Women’s Packing List
Brea Jacket in Monument Grey, AETHER, $350.
Lorna sunglass, SALT., $415.
Camp Cup, AETHER x Miir, $24.
AETHER JOURNAL
1 9
Beoplay H7 headphone, in Natural, B&O Play, $399.
W Hooded Cashmere Sweater in Winter White Heather, AETHER, $395.
Cashmere Hat in Charcoal Heather, AETHER, $95.
Winter Legging in Graphite, AETHER, $125.
PAC K I N G L I S T - W
2 0
NORT H E R N
The Backcountry’s Undiscovered Gem Photos by Ian Allen and Jonah Smith.
ICELAND
An Arctic Heli Skiing sleeping cabin at Klรฆngshรณll Lodge.
An Arctic Heli Skiing helicopter takes off.
2 3
While Iceland is known for its stark natural beauty and vast, seemingly untouched landscapes of volcanoes, geysers, and glaciers, it has also become a destination for those seeking a truly unique backcountry experience. Dubbed “Niceland” for its extraordinarily kind locals, Iceland boasts powder skiing in the early season and descents that take skiers and boarders from the tops of peaks all the way to the waters of the Arctic Ocean. But the ski season doesn’t end when traditional resorts shut down; in fact the 24 hours of light during Iceland’s summer means you can make turns well into the night. “Come May and June, there are 24 hours of daylight, and you’ll experience the best corn snow on the planet,” says Jökull Bergmann, founder of Bergmenn Mountain Guides and Arctic Heli Skiing. “Iceland also happens to be one of the safest places on earth these days, and there are short, direct flights from many US destinations.” Despite the untouched, expansive terrain the Troll Peninsula of Iceland promises, it is still relatively undiscovered—less skiers come to this area in a calendar year than ride the lifts at some popular American resorts in a single weekend. Bergmann set up his Arctic Heli Skiing business—which operates from March through June—on an old sheep farm that once belonged to his grandparents (he grew up working on the farm). The former farm house, now the Klængshóll Lodge, is where guests dine together, often convening afterward by the fire in the one-time barn, a cozy spot for sharing stories about the day’s adventures. Guests stay in charming, two-floor sleeping cabins on the property. Arctic’s sister company, Bergmenn Mountain Guides, acts as the ski-touring entity of the business and is who we ventured out with while in Iceland. For the first time this winter, touring groups (c o n t i n u e d o n p a g e 2 7 )
I C E L A N D B AC KC O U N T RY
2 4
AETHER JOURNAL
2 5
I C E L A N D B AC KC O U N T RY
AETHER JOURNAL
2 7
Left: Deep in Iceland’s backcountry. Above: The Fusion Shell in Distant Blue.
(c o n t i n u e d f r o m p a g e 2 3 )
can stay at the ski-in, ski-out Karlsá Lodge, superbly located on the ocean and in the middle of the best ski-touring terrain in the Troll Peninsula. The 1920s-built main house sleeps 14 people and has a dining room, lounge, and kitchen; an old cow shed serves as a place for skiers and boarders to stow their equipment. A new addition to the Iceland backcountry scene is the uberluxe Deplar Farm—a part of the tony Eleven collection of properties— opened this past winter in Northern Iceland. Also once a working sheep farm, Deplar is a heli-skiing operation set in a valley surrounded by stunning 3,000-foot peaks. The amenities are vast at Deplar, including an indoor-outdoor infinity pool, a spa, several suites, and summit-to-sea heli skiing right out the door of the resort. If you’re the type of skier always on the hunt for the pristine, untracked terrain void of lift lines and crowds, Iceland just may be the destination you need to put on your must-visit list this winter— and fast, before everyone else discovers what they’ve been missing. arcticheliskiing.com; elevenexperience.com/destinations/deplar-farm I C E L A N D B AC KC O U N T RY
Ski touring outside of Siglo, in Northern Iceland.
3-layer fabric Three-point adjustable hood
Seam-sealed construction
RECCOÂŽ locator
Pit-zip vents
Adjustable cuff and hem
Dual-entry zippered hand pockets
Alpine Shell
Whether you’re drawn to the backcountry or prefer a ski lift, the Alpine Shell is the jacket to
ventilation when you begin to overheat. Other design details include an exposed
get you through the season. And just like the best
weatherproof zipper at the center front, zippered
skiers on the hill, this jacket doesn’t have to show
chest pockets, dual-entry hand pockets, an
off to let you know it’s awesome—it’s tough as
interior goggle pocket that wraps comfortably
nails with a super-clean, sophisticated aesthetic.
around the side of your torso, and an interior
The 3-layer plain-weave fabric adjusts its
3 1
media pocket with an audio port for headphones.
level of heat retention and breathability to the
Adjustable cuffs and an interior hem allow you
conditions, meaning it retains heat during times of
to cinch the fit of the Alpine to your preference,
inactivity and allows it to escape when the skiing
while the removable snow skirt can be worn on
or riding gets serious. The Alpine is also seam
a powder day and removed when conditions are
sealed, waterproof, wind resistant, and breathable.
mild. The Alpine Shell also comes integrated with
There is a three-point adjustable hood for those
a RECCO® rescue reflector which can lead snow-
particularly blustery days, as well as pit zips for
patrol rescuers to a buried avalanche victim.
P R O D U C T S P OT L I G H T
The Alpine Shell in Graphite.
3 4
Vertical Jacket
The women’s Vertical Jacket is for the female
interior goggle pocket, and an interior media
snow-sport enthusiast who wants to look great
pocket with an audio valve so you can listen to
while leaving the boys in her dust (or powder).
tunes while you turn.
Waterproof, seam sealed, wind resistant,
This style boasts stretch side panels for
and breathable, the Vertical is made of a
a fl attering fi t and ease of movement as well
2-layer fabric and filled with 800-fill power
as adjustable cuff s to make wearing mittens
goose down. The jacket comes equipped with
or gloves more comfortable. There is also a
zippered side vents to keep you cool on a big
detachable powder skirt and built-in stretch-
day or if hiking is on the itinerary.
jersey wind cuff s for when the powder is plentiful.
Other mountain ready features include
The Vertical Jacket comes integrated with a
weatherproof zippers, dual-entr y hand
RECCOÂŽ rescue refl ector which can lead snow-
pockets, a pass pocket on the sleeve, an
patrol rescuers to a buried avalanche victim.
2-layer fabric Center-front zipper with covered placket and magnetic closure
800 -fill power goose down
Interior media pocket
RECCOÂŽ locator
Removable snow skirt Zippered side vents
Zippered pass pocket on sleeve
The Vertical Jacket in Jet Black.
3 8
TRAVEL INSPIRATION:
ADVENTURE HOTELS
Right: Lake Kawaguchi and Mt. Fuji can be seen from every room at Japan’s Hoshinoya glamping resort.
We at AETHER are big supporters of the adventurous spirit. We believe in it, encourage it, and live it. So even when we’re heading on a vacation, we like to seek out truly unique places, hotels that offer more than a place to rest your head but actually add to the travel experience. Here, a few of the adventure hotels around the globe on our radar right now.
Left: T Cabin at Hoshinoya boasts a stunning view of Mt. Fuji.
Hoshinoya Fuji, Japan
Hoshinoya Fuji bills itself as Japan’s first-ever
Surrounded by a red pine forest, Hoshinoya
“glamping resort.” Located on a hill an hour
Fuji prioritizes the outdoors in every way, even
and a half from Tokyo, this stunning destination
making the public areas nature focused so guests
focuses on a minimalist design scheme that
can take in majestic views wherever they turn.
allows the beautiful surroundings to be the star
If you ever decide to leave the resort, there is
of the show. With incomparable views of Mt. Fuji
plenty to do, including canoeing on the lake,
and Lake Kawaguchi from every cabin, as well
hiking or horseback riding through the forest, and
as private balconies where you can light a fire,
other activities that can be recommended by your
there is almost no reason to spend time indoors.
Glamping Master. It’s like camping, but better.
A DV E N T U R E H OT E L S
Right: The Buubble—located in a remote forest in Iceland—is an ideal spot for viewing the Northern Lights.
Buubble, Iceland buubble.com
Part of the allure of venturing to Iceland is the
steps away and showers are care of the Secret
hope of seeing the spectacular show in the sky
Lagoon hot springs nearby).
that is the Northern Lights. One out-of-the-
Each bubble comes complete with heat
box way to do that is the new Buubble hotel,
to keep you cozy on frigid Iceland nights,
located in a remote forest near the town of
and thanks to a noiseless ventilation system,
Reykholt (the exact address is given once you
the air is continually refreshed so the
are confirmed as a guest).
tight quar ters don’t become overly humid.
The brainchild of Iceland native Rober t
Additionally, the remote location and pods
Sveinn Rober tsson, Buubble is exactly what
being situated far from each other means
it sounds like: clear, inf lated—well—bubbles,
privacy is not an issue. Regardless of whether
each just big enough for a bed, lamp, and
or not you see the Nor thern Lights, Buubble is
two small suitcases (an upscale outhouse is
an incomparable way to experience Iceland.
AETHER JOURNAL
Left: Playa Viva’s Treehouse is situated six feet off the ground.
Playa Viva, Mexico playaviva.com
A sustainable boutique hotel, Playa Viva is
room options, there are suites, casitas, and
located on a mile of private beach in the small
even a treehouse, offering a stunning view of
village of Juluchuca on the western coast of
the ocean thanks to being positioned six feet
Mexico, between the Pacific and the Sierra
off the ground among palm trees. Boasting an
Madre Mountains. The 200 acres include an
obsessive focus on wellness, Playa Viva offers
estuary, an Aztec archeological site, a turtle
yoga six mornings a week, sources much of its
sanctuary, and a coastal forest. If those aren’t
food from an on-site garden, and serves local,
enough to keep you entertained, you can also
organic meals to guests. You’ll likely feel and
deep-sea fish, hike, scuba dive, and kayak. For
look like a new you by the time you leave.
A DV E N T U R E H OT E L S
Right: Sandat Glamping Tents in Bali.
Sandat Glamping Tents, Indonesia glampingsandat.com
You’ll never think of tent s in the same way
impac t . And while you will be glamping at
af ter visiting Bali’s hidden gem, Sandat
the eco - conscious proper t y, the cultural
G lamping Tent s. Located on the rice f ields
center of Ubud is less than t wo miles away
that surround Ubud, Sandat boas t s f ive
so it ’s an easy trip when you crave a bit more
jaw - droppingly beautiful tent s (t wo of which
ac tion. With all the amenities and luxuries of
have their own pools) and three equally
a hotel, Sandat is a prime spot for the per son
s tunning lumbungs (small thatched houses
who want s to indulge in Bali’s spec tacular
that were once used as rice warehouses),
wilderness while s till maintaining access to
all of which blend in beautifully to the
creature comfor t s. It ’s where low and high
landscape and have zero environmental
maintenance per fec tly converge.
AETHER JOURNAL
For more AETHER adventures and stories, check out our online journal at aetherapparel.com/journal.
Follow Us Online: @AETHERapparel #AETHERapparel #AETHERmoto AETHERAPPAREL .COM HELLO@AETHERAPPAREL .COM
N e w Yo r k
Aspen
San Francisco
A E T H E R A P PA R E L .C O M
Los Angeles