From Iceland — Fix Up Look Sharp: Icelandic Fashion Design, And Where To Find It

Fix Up Look Sharp: Icelandic Fashion Design, And Where To Find It

Published May 18, 2017

Fix Up Look Sharp: Icelandic Fashion Design, And Where To Find It
Hannah Jane Cohen
Photo by
Art Bicnick

Reykjavík is home to a diverse variety of local fashion brands, many of whom have their own downtown stores and boutiques. From Icelandic wool products to sleek couture, streetwear and sharply tailored suits, there’s a lot of clothing here that you’ll only find in Iceland. Whether you’re after a unique piece for a special occasion, or you just want to stay warm in style, here are some places to check out.

KIOSK
Ingólfsstræti 6
KIOSK is a collective of independent Icelandic designers EYGLO, Helicopter, milla snorrason and kyrja. As well as selling their original and often hard-to-come-by designs, the designers also take turns to run the counter, so you’ll meet one of them when you drop by the shop. Their new location is at Ingólfsstræti 6, right in the heart of downtown.

Kormákur og Skjöldur
Basement Unit, Laugavegur 56
This gentleman’s tailor and haberdashery is the king of Reykjavík menswear stores. They offer a variety of shirts, accessories, and suits in classic cuts from throughout the decades, made from high-end material and tailored to fit. It’s priced accordingly, but it’s worth it—their clothing is of the highest quality.

Farmers & Friends
Hólmaslóð 2
If you want to pick up an Icelandic sweater but don’t want it to look so, uh, perhaps, dowdy, then go peruse through Farmer’s and Friends. Their wares combine Nordic style with a fresh aesthetic, providing you with a modern take on traditional pieces that you could wear everywhere from the farm to Florence. If sweaters aren’t your forté, they also make beautifully tailored blazers and coats, stunning shawls and felt hats.

Hildur Yeoman Boutique
Skólavörðustigur 22b
Hildur Yeoman is a rising star in Icelandic fashion—you might have seen one of her striking designs on Björk at her 2016 Albert Hall show. Her new store sells designs from Hildur’s eponymous womenswear brand, as well as clothing by associated designers, and an array of interesting accessories.

Inklaw
Cintamani, Bankastræti 7 & Kringlan; Inklaw HQ, Austurstræti 18
Inklaw creates sophisticated streetwear: minimalist and modern, but still undeniably hip-hop. Check them out if you’re looking for long-lined oversize pieces, muted colours, and tailored bombers. With the perfect combination of Scandinavian design and urban style, Inklaw’s wares are cool, but not in a try-hard way. Every one of their pieces is handmade in their Reykjavík studio, and Justin Bieber is a personal fan.

66° North
Laugavegur 17-19, Bankstræti 5 & Kringlan
If you want to get the Reykjavík look, a good starting point might be a 66° North Workman Beanie and Jökla Parka. 66° North is the OG brand in Iceland, donned by everyone from rural farmers to downtown fuckboys. Peruse their wares and it’s obvious why—their quality and aesthetic is impeccable. These are pieces that will last not only your lifetime, but probably your grandchildren’s.

Steinunn Boutique
Grandagarður 17
Steinunn Sigurðardóttir is primarily influenced by Icelandic nature. Her wares are both simple and luxurious, with materials ranging from lambswool to silk, fur and ruffles. This is Icelandic design at its most couture—each piece is guaranteed to garner an envious second glance. Previously a designer at Gucci and Calvin Klein, Steinunn shows that high fashion has not only a place, but a home, in Reykjavík.

Geysir
Skólavörðustigur 7 & 16, and Kringlan
The Geysir stores have become a well-known Icelandic brand through their lush imagery, tight branding and sumptuous store interiors. They launched their own clothing line in 2015, with new lookbooks each year since, so if you want that dreamy halcyon look that combines tradition Icelandic elements with a contemporary edge, you know where to go.

Read more guides to Reykjavík here.

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