Reykjavík Grapevine - 01.09.2018, Síða 35

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Best Clothing Store
Kvenfataverzlun
Kormáks &
Skjaldar
Skólavörðustígur 28
Following the success of the original Lau-
gavegur menswear shop, which has been
a staple for fashionable gentlemen in
town for many years, golden duo Kórmak-
ur and Skjöldur recently opened up an
airy little Skólavörðustígur store oriented
towards women. With their winter suits
and lush knits—they stock Farmers’ Mar-
ket, too—they’ve certainly nailed down
that slighty posh, country-royal look. The
trick? Choosing simple, quality garments
made from sturdy materials.
Runners Up
Stefánsbúð/P3
Ingólfsstræti 2b
Owner and designer Stefán Svan Aðal-
heiðarson has been active in the Reyk-
javík design scene for quite a while, but
it’s not until recently that he got his own
place. Stefán showcases local designers
and second-hand high-fashion finds (hel-
lo 1990’s Gucci!) as well as accessories
from quirky international brands.
Glória
Laugavegur 37, back door
A favourite among Icelandic women of all
ages, Glória is the epitome of minimalist
elegance. Their knitwear is worth the
price tag, with stylish, soft and warm
woollen dresses and sweaters. The staff
are often seen sporting them with biker
boots and streamlined woollen coats. It
doesn’t get more Scandinavian than this.
Previous Winners
2017: Húrra Reykjavík
Best Secondhand Shop
Fatamarkaðurinn
Laugavegur 126
Fatamarkaðurinn is slightly less curated
than its younger sister Spúútnik, the
mecca of second-hand-obsessed kids.
However, this means you don’t only find
the carefully picked trendy items in here,
but a little bit of everything, and for less
money. There are Icelandic sweaters
in need of love, worn-in retro shoes,
cosy knits, 80s dresses, fur coats, sheer
blouses, and everything else that can
comprise the daily uniform of a Reykjavík
youngster.
Runners Up
Fatamarkaður Jörmundar
Laugavegur 25
Located in the basement of a down-
town building, this place is mostly
oriented to men, with an ever present
quirky, mustachioed store-owner
continually sorting through innumera-
ble suits and shoes. It’s not unusual to
suddenly pull a perfectly fitting Ralph
Lauren shirt: you only have to be willing
to look, and a treasure is just round the
corner.
Góði Hirðirinn
Fellsmúli 28
This Aladdin’s cave of used products is
a mayhem of people and mismatched
furniture. It’s the perfect place to look
for a bargain sofa, cut-price kitchen-
ware or cheap electronic appliances.
The objects are sometimes a bit
raggedy—and you have to pick them
up immediately—but the prices are fair
and the profits go to charity.
Previous Winners
2017: Spúútnik
2016: Kolaportið
2015: Hertex
2014: Spúútnik
2013: Spúútnik
Best Place To Buy A Wool
Sweater
Handprjóna-
sambandið
Skólavörðustígur 19
No matter what time of year, Hand-
prjónasambandið’s high shelves are
packed with sweaters and woollen
garments of all shapes, sizes and
colours. They’re all handmade and of
outstanding quality. Whether you need
help with sizes or fixing an old pur-
chase, ask one of the shop keepers and
they’ll welcome you with a smile. “This is
why I go there: if you want quality, this
is where you’ll find it,” said the panellist.
Anything you buy here will stay with you
for years to come—as long as you don’t
put it in a washing machine.
Runners Up
Farmers & Friends
Hólmaslóð 2 & Laugavegur 37
Of the more high-street-style options,
the panel opted for the Farmers Market
outlet, Farmers and Friends. “Their
sweaters have a modern look that is
very fashionable, and a nice fit,” they
said. “If you want to wear your sweater
with a short skirt and high heels, the
Farmers Market brand is it.”
Kolaportið
Tryggvagata 19
Other than knitting it yourself, this is
the cheapest way to get a lopapeysa.
You can find a good second-hand
jumper if you look hard enough—the
best ones are by the lovely couple just
outside the food department. They
collect new, handmade sweaters from
all over Iceland, and they probably have
the perfect one for you.
Previous Winners
2017: Handprjónasambandið
2016: Handprjónasambandið
2015: Red Cross
2014: Handprjónasambandið
Best Bookshop
Bókin
Klapparstígur 26
Setting foot in this bookstore is more
like a treasure hunt than anything
else. The books (mostly in Icelandic)
are either neatly organised on the
shelves, randomly piled on the floor, or
teetering on the verge of an avalanche.
It’s a maze of paper and leather that
surrounds you from all angles. You can
find beautifully bound gems in the
English section if you dig enough—but
if not, just ask for help: “these guys
know every book that’s in there,” said
the panel.
Runners Up
IÐA Zimsen
Vesturgata 2a
This lovely bookstore has a café inside,
making it the perfect retreat for
gloomy afternoons in the rain. Grab a
strong coffee and one of the beautiful
travel books from the wooden shelves
and get lost in your daydreams, or
enjoy people-watching in the cosiest
environment.
Mál og Menning
Laugavegur 18
There’s little you can’t find in this three-
floor bookstore. Whether it’s postcards,
magazines, or English-translated
Icelandic works you’re after, you could
explore every corner once a day and
always find something new. Then, when
you’re tired of flipping through tomes,
step upstairs for a cup of tea.
Previous Winners
2017: Mál og Menning
2016: Eymundsson Austurstræti
2015: Sjónarlind
2014: Nexus
2013: Eymundsson, Bankastræti