Atlantica - 01.09.2007, Page 78

icelanda
76 a t l a n t i c a
Flowers that are Always in Bloom
Although Iceland’s greenery disappears with the onset of fall, the colorful Marimekko flowers are always alive
and stylish. Since 1951, the Finnish textile and clothing company has been producing innovative and fashion-
able design, including the popular flower print, in clothing, interior design and accessories.
In keeping with its basic philosophy, “Design is inspired by beautiful everyday life,” Marimekko is doing its
part to keep the flowers blooming. From their raw materials through to their production, Marimekko continu-
ally strive to make their products more environmentally friendly. Case in point: a recent innovation at their
factory in Helsinki has allowed all heat released during the production process to be recycled into heating the
factory premises.
Laugavegur 56. marimekko.com
Dining with the Masters
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to spend the night in a museum? Or simply to dine in one? Now is your
chance to find out—at Hotel Holt. This cozy hotel contains the largest private collection of original Icelandic
art by some of the country’s most beloved artists. The valuable artwork adorns the walls from bedroom to
restaurant, and everything in between.
The appropriately named Gallery Restaurant has been highly acclaimed since it opened along with the
rest of the hotel in 1965. The hotel management is excited to have Fridgeir Ingi Eiríksson aboard as new head
chef, particularly as he has recently returned from gathering a wide range of experience throughout Europe.
In addition to the outstanding cuisine, the restaurant has over 4,000 bottles of wine in stock.
Located just outside the fray, this top-notch hotel sits on a quiet side street in downtown Reykjavík.
Bergstadastraeti 37. holt.is
Kraum of the Crop
Designers unite! Kraum, the nation’s first store dedicated entirely to Icelandic design, has breathed new life into
Reykjavík’s oldest house, just off Ingólfstorg square downtown. The store features work from over 70 designers
including textile, jewelry, household items and a variety of other utilitarian objects, all selected by a profes-
sional committee to ensure a fair representation of Iceland’s best. Kraum, meaning simmer, is appropriately
named as the first and only forum for Iceland’s auspicious design scene, which centers on organic elements
like wool, lava and fur from the nation’s unique nature. Because the space was conceived as a store and not
a gallery, the offering focuses on production items instead of one-of-a-kind pieces, and prices reflect Kraum’s
sentiment of design’s place in everyday life, and not just on the mantelpiece.
Adalstraeti 10. kraum.is

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