Earth Sea Sky clinches Antarctic clothing deal

25/8/2008

Earth Sea Sky owner David Ellis (1969-73) is a happy man, having played a part in a major business coup.

Wrapping up . . . Earth Sea Sky owner David Ellis (second from left) helps Antarctica New Zealand Antarctic support manager Iain Miller try on some of the new gear destined for the snow and ice. Below: Sir Edmund Hillary (left) wears an Arthur Ellis jacket at the South Pole during his 1957-58 journey. Also pictured are Dr Vivian Fuchs (centre) and Admiral George Dufek.

David’s Christchurch-based company has assisted in the production of a new wardrobe for New Zealanders working in the Antarctic.
Earth Sea Sky last year won an initial contract valued at more than $500,000 to produce a complete seven-piece wardrobe for the extreme Antarctic conditions where temperatures can drop to -50degC.
David said last week the original down-filled jackets for the Antarctic were made in Dunedin about 50 years ago and he was thrilled to see the tradition continue with Otago Apparel involved in the partnership.
The project also had an important personal link, as David’s father, Murray, was an Antarctic and Himalayan adventurer who accompanied Sir Edmund Hillary on his 1,900 kilometre journey to the South Pole in 1957-58. Dunedin family firm Arthur Ellis produced the jackets and sleeping bags used on the journey.
David Earth Sea Sky designer Moira Park were in Dunedin last week accompanied by representatives from Antarctica New Zealand, which awarded the contract.
The group visited Otago Apparel’s Kaikorai Valley Road premises to check on progress with

the order, which is due to accompany the crews when the season starts on October 1st.
The outfits had to cater for a wide range of temperatures and uses, from scientists on the sea ice to machinery operators and cleaners at Scott Base.
One of the key differences with the new clothing range was the ability to layer items for personal comfort. As well as introducing a waterproof bib overall, another new feature was displaying the New Zealand flag on the three outer shell jackets.
David said the complicated outer items were being manufactured in Dunedin, and the three fleece inner garments were being made in Christchurch. In each of the seven styles, 260 pieces were being produced. There were 13 sizes — seven for men and six for women.
The new wardrobe was more versatile and included features such as specific jacket pockets for radios and manuals.
Earth Sea Sky began production almost 20 years ago.