Atlantica - 01.06.2011, Qupperneq 76

74 a t l a n t i c a
IcElaNDa SPECIAl PRoMotIon
Gaga’s Garments
“I just begin to knit without having a full figuration in my mind. Sometimes the
original idea changes in the middle of the process—a hat can turn into a dress or vice
versa,” says artist / designer Gaga Skorrdal who sells her unique creations at her lively
shop in the oldest part of Reykjavík’s city center. Independent thinking and a flair
for the unexpected indeed give her pieces their signature look. Catering to women
and men of all ages, they are made from quality Icelandic wool as well as materials
such as cotton, linen and silk. One-of-a-kind and handmade by Gaga herself, they are
particularly popular among those seeking something new and original and wanting
to stand out from the crowd. Can’t make it to Gaga’s shop on Vesturgata? Simply
acquire pieces online at gaga.is
Cool Wool
Whether you are looking for a genuine Icelandic souvenir or simply a stylish gar-
ment, Víkurprjón / Vik-Wool is the place to visit. Located in the picturesque Vík,
Iceland’s southernmost village, Vik-Wool is one of the country’s oldest knitwear
producers, renowned for its wearable and classic garments from the unique Icelan-
dic sheep wool. In addition to maintaining traditional methods, the wool’s original
earthy tones and the standard lopapeysa patterns, Vik-Wool designs and produces
colorful clothing in tune with all the latest fashion trends. In addition to being sold
in select shops across Iceland, all Vik-Wool’s products are available at the Vík factory
shop, along with an extensive assortment of souvenirs. And of course, the entire col-
lection is only a click away, at vikurprjon.is
History and Nature at Sandgerdi
Take a drive along the Reykjanes peninsula and visit Sandgerdi, a friendly fishing vil-
lage with a lot to offer. Learn about birds and aquatic life at the Nature Centre, visit
the art gallery Listatorg, and the historically significant Hvalneskirkja Church, built
in 1887 on an ancient church site. Go for a swim in the town’s new state-of-the-art
swimming pool, do some bird watching or play a round of golf. Also, make sure to
visit the fascinating exhibition on the life and work of Dr. Jean-Baptiste Charcot at
the University Research Centre. Charcot was one of the great explorers of Antarctic
and Arctic waters in the 20th century, leading two expeditions to the Southern Hemi-
sphere and mapping a large part of the Antarctic Peninsula coastline. He and most
of his crew perished with the expedition ship Pourquoi pas? off the coast of Iceland
in 1936, sending the whole nation into mourning for their friend. The exhibition
includes a reconstructed research vessel, items from the Pourquoi pas? and Charcot’s
personal documents and other items. Sandgerdi has a new, full-fledged camp site.