Reykjavík Grapevine - 01.07.2018, Síða 38

The Reykjavík Grapevine
Best of Reykjavík 2018
38
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Best Jewellery Shop
Orrifinn
Skólavörðustígur 17b
The owners Helga and Orri make all the
jewellery themselves in their shop/lab-
oratory. After the eye-catching works in
the window have piqued your curiosity,
step into their sumptuous, dimly-lit
basement store and take a peek. The
detailed, stylish and carefully crafted
unisex pieces have a raw edge to them
that gives them an exotic sensuality,
and makes them timeless but still
fresh. Not the most classic and obvious
choice, but the coolest one for sure.
Runners Up
Aurum
Bankastræti 4
A classic of the local design scene,
Aurum is one of the most popular
jewellery shops in town. They’ve been
crafting and importing jewellery for
years—if you’re looking for a simple,
timeless piece, they certainly have it,
but check out their limited editions in
the window for a fresher take on things.
Aftur
Laugavegur 39
Technically, Aftur mostly sells sustain-
able, recycled clothes for the fash-
ion-goth crowd, but it’s one of the few
places in town where you can still find
a proper kría, the typical arctic tern
necklace that all Icelandic women own.
Pick a black one and take a fun memory
away with you.
Previous Winners
None: new category!
Hidden Gem
Hyalin Reykjavík
Hverfisgata 35
This tiny French Deli on Hverfisgata is a
pleasure for the eyes and the senses,
with their dark blue walls and white
accents reminiscent of the Mediterra-
nean. All their products are imported
from France, from their delicious
chocolate in retro packages to shiny
oil bottles, gleaming jars of honey,
and pungent goats cheese. You might
be tempted to buy the entire store at
once, but don’t rush: the lovely couple
at the counter will always welcome you
back with a friendly smile.
Runners Up
Hertex Charity Store
Garðastræti 6
Although slightly shabbier than the
average second-hand store, this
little Salvation Army outlet always has
something interesting to offer. It might
be more oriented to the older crowd,
but nothing beats their retro pow-
er-shoulder jackets and timeless coats,
especially for the price.
Systrasamlagið
Óðinsgata 1
This little hidden gem has become a
favourite among the vegan crowd,
and with good reason: their morning
bowls are especially tasty, with fresh
and dried fruits and almond milk on the
side. You can find vitamins and boosts
in here too, as well as yoga and medita-
tion classes. All in all, a great alternative
to the usual hip Reykjavík café.
Previous Winners
None: new category!
Out Of Controll
Shirts & Totes
Another prominent Icelandic artist is
Egill Sæbjörnsson, who represented Ice-
land at last year’s Venice Biennale. His
project was based around Ugh & Boog-
ar, two disruptive trolls who ran riot
across the festival, in various
mediums. You don’t have to be
a millionaire to get in on the
action, though: summery “Out Of
Controll” t-shirts and tote bags are
on sale at Hafnarhúsið art museum,
and around town.
Ólafur Elíasson’s
“Little Sun”
Ólafur Elíasson is one of Iceland’s best-
known artists, not least for designing
the glittering facade of Harpa, and more
recently, for opening a new show-
room at the Marshall House art
museum. The Little Sun is an
environmentally
friend-
ly
solar-powered
phone
charger that’s perfect to
take on a camping trip—
each one also works as a
torch—
or just to perch on
your windowsill. Get it at
i8 gallery, or the Hafnar-
húsið museum shop.
Börkur Design W
ooden
Sunglasses
If your eyes are hurting from Iceland’s fa-
mously intense summer sun, or you want
to pick up an unusual gift for a significant
other, you could go for Börkur Design’s
wooden
sunglasses.
Made
from
sturdy walnut or striped Zebra-
wood, their lightweight frames
promise 100% UVA and UVB
protection, and come with a
complimentary bamboo
case. They also float,
so they’re perfect for
hot pot basking. Pick
some up at Aurum or
any downtown Epal store.
Buy
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