Icelandic Wool & Souvenirs

The Icelandic sheep is a unique animal. For over a thousand years, total isolation and absence of contact with other breeds have protected the purity of the strain making it one of the purest breeds in western world.

In Reykjavík and throughout Iceland you will find great selecdtion of stores carrying range of beautiful woollen wear with traditional and modern knitting patterns.  The collection includes cardigans sweaters, caps, hats, gloves, mittens, socks, scarves, blankets and an array of gorgeeous children wear.

 

Characteristics of the Icelandic wool

Unique in its composition, Icelandic wool consists of two types of fibres:

 

INNER FIBRES - UNSULATING:

Fine, soft highly insulating:

 

OUTER FIBRES - WATER-REPELLENT:

Long, glossy, water-repellent.

 

Most people love a souvenir gift upon returning from vacation, even expect them, whether they say so or not.

Souvenir shops offer broad collection of Icelandic crafts: Ceramics, miniature Vikings, flags, plaques, jewellery, CDs of Icelandic folk, classical and pop music, videos and books.

 

These souvenirs you can get at:

 

IÐA Bookstore

Lækjargötu 2a

101, Reykjavík

Tel. +354 511 5001

 

Islandia

Bankastræti 10

101, Reykjavík

Tel. +354 534 9960

 

Icelandic design jewellery

One of the most distinctive featues of human culture is our passion for body ornaments that permeats our whole lives from the time we are born till the day we die.

We use it to express our lifestyle, status and tastes - love, respect and friendship.  It is the ideal gift for anyone.

Icelandic design jewellery is original, unusual - and intriguing. Rather than having clearly identifiable common features or "big brands", designs are more abour the individuality of each designer - his or hers special approach, signature or niche.

If there is a common denominator to be found in Icelandic design it is likely to be the soruce of inspiration which in many cases can be traced to be the raw forces that constantly shape and reshape this small Island.

Designer take great pride in workmanship and their use of materials resulting in one-off pieces that survive the passage of time and fashion trends.

 

These designs you can get at:

 

Jens

Kringlan Mall

103, Reykjavík

Tel. +354 568 6730

 

Hansína Jens

Laugavegur 42

101, Reykjavík

Tel. +354 551 8448

 

 

Icelandic fashion design

Just as relevant today as it was with the ancient Greeks, the statekment: "Clothes make the man" reminds us that appearances count for a lot.

How er dress reflects our attitude towards society, our social ambitions and our self awareness.

How er choose our wardrobe is therefor quite pissibly the most personal ingredient in our work of identity building.

And here is where Icelandic design has succeeded to an ipressive degree.

Many designers seek inspiration to the stark contrast of Iceland´s nature incoporating interplaying elements like fire and ice, light and shadow while some lean more towards cultural heritage, sagas, myths and beliefs.

With majority of designers being women many designs also revolvearound women´s self realisation and sense of independence.

Individual garments as well as entire wardrobes are designed and tailored to create a style that reflects who you are as a person - presented almost like a poiem or an ode to the beautiful, articulate and eternally feminine.

 

These designs you can get at:

 

ELM Design

Laugavegur 1

101 Reykjavík

Tel. +354 511 0991

 

Spakmannsspjarir

Bankastræti 11

101, Reykjavík

Tel. +354 511 2090

 

Ásta Clothes

Laugavegur 25 (third floor)

101, Reykjavík

Tel. +354 521 1949