Reykjavík Grapevine - aug 2019, Qupperneq 35

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Best Clothing Store
Húrra Reykjavík
Hverfisgata 50 & 78
“They single-handedly changed the
scene and changed 101 Reykjavík,” the
panel said of Húrra Reykjavík. From their
inception only two years ago, the store
has cemented itself as the go-to locale
for the trendiest foreign streetwear
brands. Each of their locations—one for
men and one for women—have stayed
relevant, always on brand with the
latest trends and always selling lines
you never thought you’d see in the city.
They are also credited for spurring a
sneakerhead scene—one that got so
crazy that teenager boys actually slept
outside during the last Yeezy release.
Runner Up
Geysir
Skólavörðustígur 7 & 16
You can’t talk about shopping in Reykjavík
without mentioning Geysir. Chock-full of
elegant woollen staple pieces, the store
has striking billboards dotted around the
town depicting an old world, arcadian
vision of Iceland—pick something up and
feel that halcyon fantasy in your day to
day urban existence.
Newcomer
Kvartýra №49
Laugavegur 49
This minimalistic, Bauhaus-esque spot
took the Icelandic fashion scene by
storm upon opening in 2018, with its
eclectic streetwear selection. “They have
designers that no one else has, designers
that you wouldn’t know before going
there,” said the panel. “I love them—I
really hope they last.”
Previous Winners
2018: Kvenfataverzlun Kormáks &
Skjaldar
2017: Húrra Reykjavík
Best Secondhand Shop
Hertex
Garðastræti 6
A true-blue second-hand shop, you never
know what you’re going to find at this
Salvation Army outlet. “Their selection
is bizarre, the prices are fair, and the
service is amazing,” raved the panel.
“The ladies there will help you so much.”
The stark store, covered with clothes of
all shapes and colours, is a delight for
all senses that’ll have you alternating
between, “Who would throw that away?”
to “Who would buy that?” Each of the pan-
ellists had found something spectacular
there, or at least something with a good
story. Get ready to start digging.
Runners Up
Spúútnik
Laugavegur 28 & Kringlan
More of a downtown boutique than
a second-hand store, Spúútnik’s
well-curated selection has defined 101
Reykjavík style for almost a generation.
With most pieces being imported from
abroad, expect top quality streetwear
brands, fur jackets, and everything you
see your favourite Instagram influencer
wearing…before they’re wearing it.
Stefánsbúð/P3
Ingólfsstræti 2b
Stefánsbúð/P3’s selection of sec-
ond-hand is radically different than
those at other Reykjavík vintage
locales. Their rack of old high-end
designer clothing is unlike what you’ll
find anywhere else in the city. “For me,
I don’t want old clothes, I want vintage
pieces,” one panellist explains. “They’re
doing something different and it’s
beautiful.”
Previous Winners
2018: Fatamarkaðurinn
2017: Spúútnik
2016: Kolaportið
2015: Hertex
Best Place To Buy
A Wool Sweater
Handprjóna-
sambandið
Skólavörðustígur 19
Many Icelandic wool sweaters, or lopa-
peysa, are mass-produced outside of
Iceland and shipped back in for sale. So
where to find the real-deal? The answer
is Handprjónasambandið, Iceland’s
hand-knitting association. Stacked
from floor to ceiling with cosy woolly
goodness, the store offers sweaters,
gloves and more, in every colour of the
rainbow. You'll usually find the name of
the person who made it attached to the
sweater. How’s that for authenticity?
Runners Up
Rauði Krossinn
Laugavegur 12 & 116 &
Skólavörðustígur 12
The Red Cross is not only the cheapest
option for a lópapeysa, but it’s also
one of the more unusual. “It’s very old
Iceland. You search around and you feel
like you’re getting someone’s Grandpa’s
sweater,” one panel member says, be-
fore smiling. “And you are. It’s lovely”
Farmers Market
Hólmaslóð 2 & Laugavegur 37
For a more stylish take on the Icelandic
sweater, look no further than Farmers
& Friends. Their designs update the
traditional lópapeysa into a fitted and
distinctly high-street getup. Pair it with
fitted trousers and heels and you’ll
blend in at any Scandinavian fashion
event.
Previous Winners
2016-2018: Handprjónasambandið
2015: Red Cross
2014: Handprjónasambandið
Best Jewellery Shop
Orrifinn
Skólavörðustígur 17b
Orrifinn was decided, unanimously and
almost instantaneously, by the panel
as the best jewellery shop in Reykjavík.
There was no debate. The beloved
storeroom presents sensual, raw,
detailed and carefully crafted pieces
that manage at once to be timeless
while still distinctly modern. “Were I to
get engaged or married, this is where
I would buy the ring, no question,” one
panellist exclaimed. “There’s no other
place doing what they do, and it’s very
trendy and well-made.”
Runners Up
Hildur Hafstein
Klapparstígur 40
Slightly hippy, full of mystical symbols
and teaming with craftsmanship, Hildur
Hafstein has created a niche all her own
in the Icelandic jewellery community.
“Her works are very Egyptian and spiri-
tual,” one panellist explained. Her shop,
tucked away just off Skólavörðustígur,
is chock full of long, delicate necklaces,
textured horns and gorgeous stones.
Aurum
Bankastræti 4
Aurum has been a mainstay of Icelandic
jewellery for years. “You can always
go in and find something,” one panel
member said. “It’s very Icelandic and
very much based in Icelandic culture
and nature,” they continued. New
collections pop up often, so make sure
to stop by for a new look if you haven’t
been by recently.
Previous Winners
2018: Orrifinn