Creative clothing shops in Iceland

The lopapeysa is an iconic woollen sweater historically used by fishermen, farmers and other outdoorsmen. Nowadays, it is considered a staple part of the Icelanders’ wardrobe thanks to its enduring knack for fighting off the cold. Lopapeysas are sold throughout the country, but there’s no better place to pick one up for yourself than The Handknitting Association of Iceland. The business was formed in 1977 to maximise the unique characteristics of Icelandic sheep wool. The clothing store also sells hand-knitted gloves, hats and scarves, as well as balls of yarn and other knitting supplies.

As a graduate fashion designer from Paris’ Studio Bercot, Hugrún Árnadóttir opened Kronkron with her partner, the hairstylist Magni Þorsteinsson, in 2004. A voguish evolution of their previous business, Kron, this new store has long aimed to expose upcoming Icelandic designers alongside their usual stock of other international collections from the likes of Vivienne Westwood and Comme des Garçons. Today, Kronkron operates on Reykjavík’s principal shopping street, Laugavegur, welcoming guests with their colourful and creative designs.

Spúútnik is at the forefront of vintage clothing in Iceland and has long bolstered the ‘downtown-rat’ fashion trends for which 101 Reykjavík residents have become known. The shop offers corduroy blazers and floral shirts, flat caps and moccasin shoes, as well as countless other clothing items reminiscent of bygone years. While certainly on the pricier side, Spúútnik is sure to reclaim your wardrobe and make you the flyest cat this side of the 1980s.

Icelandic fashion designer, Hildur Yeoman, opened her first store in March 2017, presenting a range of womenswear that has been described as ethereal, magical and enchanting by industry peers. Hildur’s collections fall back on her passion as a storyteller and illustrator, with inspiration taken from such far-flung fields as Icelandic witchcraft to the adventures of her own family. If you’re looking for high-end clothing that is both elegant and celebratory, look no further than Hildur Yeoman.