Gramicci: Fiji "Survivor"Contestant Competitive Climber Michelle Yi

NEVER THE NORM


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CONTACT: Beth Cochran
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406.579.7909

Fiji TV “Survivor” Contestant and Competitive Climber Michelle Yi Joins Gramicci Design Team


AGOURA HILLS, Calif. (January 10, 2008) – Gramicci apparel, the science and soul brand of the outdoor industry, hooks up with CBS reality TV Fiji Survivor contestant and competitive climber Michelle Yi.

Yi joins Gramicci’s talented design team as assistant designer after surviving, Survivor. Prior to eating sand and bugs, Yi could be found sport climbing at Red River Gorge, or road tripping across the country to her favorite bouldering destination: Hueco Tanks. Her best climbing memories include sending her first V9 at Hueco, and her notoriously crazy outfits at climbing competitions including legwarmers, skirts, and even leather chaps (But not together!). Her design background starts at the University of Cincinnati in Ohio, and then expanding to work (and climb!) in cities like New York (Gunks climbing!), San Francisco (Bishop and Yosemite), and Dallas (Whoa, Texas) before settling down in Southern California.

Her signature style compliments Gramicci well. Yi explains where her inspiration comes from, “I am inspired by the people around me. I’m inspired by the places I go. Most of all, it’s the experiences I carry with me and what beauty I see that I can offer to other people and hope that they see it too.”

Head designer at Gramicci, Sarah Marks explains the value of having Michelle on team, “Michelle has been a wonderful contribution to our design team. Our team lives, eats, and breathes in our product, testing it all the time, to make sure it functions the way we want it to. Michelle has contributed her expertise of climbing, her great design sense, and most importantly her vibrant spirit. (She also just got a killer bike we are all jealous of so she’ll best testing our new “Urban Biker” product.)”

About Gramicci:
Gramicci, considered the soul brand of the outdoor industry, is known for creating one of the icon styles of the outdoor industry, the G-climbing pant. This design launched the lifestyle apparel evolution in the outdoor market more than 25 years ago. The brand is now known for its natural fiber technologies, distinct fabrications and washed out weathered garment finishes that set the standard for comfort and functional apparel. The brand has evolved into four distinct product segments; Authentic Originals, Built For Sport, Gramicci Life and Greenicci. All these products have the distinct Gramicci stamp of being slightly irreverent, never the norm comfort outdoor clothing built for the sport of living. For more information, visit www.gramicci.com