Reykjavík Grapevine - sep. 2020, Blaðsíða 30

The Reykjavík Grapevine
Best of Reykjavík 2020
30
Consumerism might be destroying the planet, but hey, you can’t
walk around naked. While Iceland may not be a worldwide shopping
destination due to high prices and its relative isolation, there’s still
a plethora of unique products that are worth spending your hard-
earned dough on. From handmade lopapeysur created by dotings
Grandmas to obscure Björk b-b-b-sides, here’s your essential guide
to shopping in Reykjavík.
Best Goddamn Store
Fischer
Fischersund 3
Last year, Fischer wowed the 2019 Shopping panel, with the then-new-
comer unanimously winning the Best Goddamn Store for its out-of-
the-box take on the shopping experience. This year was no different.
From packaging-free shampoo to a special perfume section, the store
treads the line between a shop and a design space, serving up a senso-
ry, highly aesthetic environment that makes every purchase feel spe-
cial. “Fischer changed just what a store could be in Reykjavík,” praised
one panellist. “They showed that you could push the limits and do
something personalised and different. It’s inspirational.”
Runners-Up
Farmers Market
Laugavegur 37 & Hólmaslóð 2
Many brands have claimed the throne
of traditional Icelandic style, but per-
haps no brand has done it so luxurious-
ly as Farmers Market. With references
to the past wrapped up in modern
silhouettes and opulent fabrics,
Farmers Market serves up traditional
Scandinavian fashion for the modern
age. For this, they deserve applause.
Nexus
Álfheimar 74
Nexus helped geekdom flourish in
Iceland, creating a warm meeting place
for those interested in comics, sci-fi,
role-playing games, table-top games,
and other fandoms. “They created a
culture and a house for it,” exclaimed
one panellist.
Previous Winners
2019: Fischer
2018: Húrra Reykjavík
Best Design Store
Akkúrat
Laugavegur 80
This local design Mecca has been a
stalwart of the Icelandic scene from
day one, endeavouring to offer a
careful collection of highly curated
products showcasing the best of local
and Nordic design. Their ever-evolving
shelves are filled with fascinating ma-
terials, and as soon as the shop’s name
was mentioned, panellists instantly
and eagerly began sharing some of
their favourite finds. “You’ll always find
something unique at Akkúrat,” one pan-
ellist cheered. “They also present new
and off-the-beaten-path designers, so
things feel one-of-a-kind.” In December,
the store opened a second location up
on Laugavegur. We can, therefore, only
imagine how they will thrive in 2020.
Runners-Up
nomad.
Frakkastígur 8f
A relative newbie to the Laugavegur
scene, nomad. was a surprise favourite
of the panel. “I love nomad. They have
amazing books, lamps, candles and
more,” one panellist raved. “And it’s so
important that Laugavegur has these
kind of stores.” Pro-tip: The owner is a
photographer and often has exhibitions
on the lower floor. Check it out.
Hönnunarsafnið
Garðatorg 1, Garðabær
The Museum Of Design And Applied
Art offers a quirky array of design
objects and books, some related to
the exhibits within, some completely
random. For extra oomph, they also
have a workshop inside where you can
watch designers create right in front
of your eyes.
Previous Winners
2017-2019: Akkúrat
2016: Kraum (RIP)
BEST OF REYKJAVÍK 2020
Shopping
Best Fashion Boutique
Kvartýra №49
Laugavegur 49
It’s no understatement to say that
Kvartýra №49 changed the face of
Reykjavík fashion when the minimalist,
Bauhaus-esque spot opened in 2018.
Before then, yes, athleisure was pop-
ular, but nowadays, you can’t throw
a stone in Reykjavík without hitting
some cool tracksuit-clad kid covered
in Cyrillic typography. Specialising in
Russian streetwear, the store brought
post-Soviet street style to the city
with an eclectic selection of brands
like Sputnik 1985, Volchok, and Fusion.
The store also showcases innovative
Icelandic brands like Eygló and Sush-
chenko, as well as high-end American
designs from Opening Ceremony.
Runners-Up
Stefánsbúð/p3
Laugavegur 7
Stefánsbúð showcases local design-
ers and second-hand high-fashion
finds (hello 1990’s Gucci!) as well as
accessories from quirky international
brands. “It’s truly a boutique,” one
panellist exclaimed. “It’s quirky and
zany. You don’t know what you’re going
to find but you know it’ll be exciting.”
GK Reykjavík
Tryggvagata 21
GK Reykjavík has long been a favourite
of the trendy Reykjavík fashionista
sect for special occasions, though
it’s never won a Grapevine award
until today. “It’s pricey, but it’s full of
proper, beautiful pieces. When you
buy something, you think, ‘I’ve worked
really hard for this,’” a panel member
declared. The panel also praised the
shops' new location in Hafnartorg.
Previous Winners
2019: Hildur Yeoman
2011-2018: KIOSK (RIP)