Unique, flawless, provocative: Reykjavik Fashion Festival

Iceland has much more to offer the fashion world than the humble knitted lopapeysa jumper. With a flourishing creative industry, Icelandic fashion is set to take the world by storm, and this year’s Reykjavik Fashion Festival is the perfect place to discover the hottest new talent emerging from this small island (31 March – 3 April).

Now in its second year, the festival will feature a high-energy mix of fashion, design and music events throughout the city, with the aim of promoting Icelandic creativity to an international audience. “What I really want is this festival to have an Icelandic feel and not to try to mimic the other fashion weeks,” says Ellen Loftsdóttir, Creative Manager of Reykjavik Fashion Festival.

Reykjavik’s Art Museum will host the Autumn/Winter fashion show, featuring the collections of 22 of Iceland’s most inspired and talented designers. The first night (1 April) will be opened by Vera Thordardottir, whose provocative designs have been worn by Lady Gaga, and will be followed by renowned Reykjavik-based label Spaksmannsspjarir. Taking to the catwalk on night two (2 April) will be Andersen & Lauth, who design coveted womenswear, and Mundi Vondi, the artist/designer who specializes in elaborate knitwear.

Meanwhile, visitors to Reykjavik can treat themselves to some designer treasures at PopUp Verzlun, a pop-up store selling current and past season designs, samples and one-offs from 30 of Iceland’s prominent designers.

Follow the link to Tall Dark Roast for a preview of Icelandic label Forynja’s AW/11 Collection.