Icelandic style and design has escalated in scope over recent years, with an ensuing explosion of local stores. While high prices mean that you probably aren’t going to be going on a shopping spree in Reykjavík, there are plenty of unique products to be found that are worth your hard-earned cash. From obscure rarities by long-broken-up Icelandic bands to the perfect vintage hand-knitted lópapeysa, here’s your essential guide to shopping in Reykjavík. Remember to make responsible financial decisions. Good luck out there.
Best Fashion Boutique
Yeoman
Skólavörðustígur 22
Having dressed everyone from up and coming artist JFDR to grand dame Björk, Hildur Yeoman is a star of the local fashion scene. Her trademarks are busy prints on fine fabrics, cut into flowing shapes; she also dabbles in extravagant evening wear such as her striking mirror-ball effect gown. The store also spotlights interesting stuff Hildur has encountered on her travels, from jewellery to exotic tea. “You can’t see an awards show without someone wearing Yeoman,” said the panel. “Her pieces are uplifting.” Influenced equally by nature and the occult, inside her patterns you’ll find icons and imagery that in endlessly fascinating combinations.
Runner-Up:
Akkúrat
Aðalstræti 2
Alongside all the intriguing magazines, ornaments and homewares, Akkúrat also has a strong line of streetwear, including their signature Döðlur sweatshirt range. Cosy, oversized, and bearing a unique spin on the Icelandic “Ð,” nobody else back home will have one of these.
Runner-Up:
Aftur
Laugavegur 39
Aftur created that distinctive 101 Reykjavík look of flowing black dresses and oversized sweaters. While it has, in recent years, kept that aesthetic up, it has since added to it a focus on eco-friendliness and sustainability. “It would be wrong to talk about Icelandic fashion without talking about Aftur,” one panellist said.
Previous Winners
2011-2018: KIOSK
Other Shopping Categories
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