Reykjavík Grapevine - aug. 2019, Síða 34

The Reykjavík Grapevine
Best of Reykjavík 2019
34
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 Goddamn Store
Fischer
Fischersund 3
For most categories, one of the first questions out of the mouths of
panel members was “does Fischer qualify?” From packaging-free
shampoo, to frequent art openings, to a special perfume section, the
store—which has only been around for just over one year—serves up
a sensory, highly aesthetic shopping adventure. “They are paving the
way for a new type of store in Reykjavík,” the panel determined, prais-
ing the stores out-of-the-box thinking, and their careful focus on cus-
tomer experience. “This is a place I barely want to mention,” one pan-
ellist continued. “It’s so good I don’t want it to win and get crowded!”
Runners Up
Góði Hirðirinn
Fellsmúli 28
Góði Hirðirinn, or “The Good Shepherd,”
looks like a cross between a stylish
hoarders house and an eclectic garage
sale. Take an afternoon to rummage
around this Aladdin’s cave in search of
hidden gems, which could be anything
from old Icelandic books to blue leath-
er armchairs to a bag of old toys.
Drekinn
Njálsgata 23
“Drekinn is the last ‘sjoppa’ in 101
Reykjavík,” one panellist declared. “It
hasn’t changed over the years, but it
has remained relevant.” This grungy
convenience store/vape palace/bo-
dega/hamburger joint is a remnant of
pre-tourism Reykjavík. “That hamburger
smell really takes you back,” they
concluded. “I hope it always stays the
same.”
Previous Winners
2018: Húrra Reykjavík
2017: Krónan
2016: Bónus
Best Design Store
Akkúrat
Aðalstræti 2
This local design mecca has a fasci-
nating and ever-evolving range of prod-
ucts on sale from local designers, but
also brings cherry-picked Nordic and
international pieces to Iceland.
“They have Icelandic design you can’t
find anywhere else,” said the panel, “but
also so much Scandinavian design.”
From day one, Akkúrat was known for
carefully curated shelves filled with
works from promising and emerging
designers, many of whom are still in
the early stages of their career. So, who
knows—take a punt on a striking hood-
ie or handmade cup, and you could
have a future classic on your hands.
Runners Up
HAF Store
Geirsgata 7
The HAF Studio store is a pristine
renovation filled with highly desirable
homewares, from stylish lamps to light
fittings worth renovating for. “HAF is
a place to watch right now,” said the
panel. “They have an amazing space
and everything is well picked.” Watch
your wallet: you’ll want it all.
Hönnunarsafnið
Garðatorg 1, Garðabær
This store, located within the Museum
Of Design and Applied Art, serves up
a quirky array of design objects and
books, some related to the exhibits
within, some completely random. “They
have a workplace in the store when you
can watch artists create right in front
of you” one panellist praised.
Previous Winners
2017-2018: Akkúrat
2016: Kraum (RIP)
2015: Spark Design Space (RIP)
2013-4: Kraum (RIP)
BEST OF REYKJAVÍK 2019
Shopping
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 extrava-
gant 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.
Runners 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.
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 (RIP)