FASHION

Best of Reykjavik Fashion Festival

by Virginia VanZanten

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Iceland’s second showing turned out an impressive 22 runway shows over two nights (on time no less). Here are the standout collections that caught our attention:

1

Standouts from Eyglo’s collection were the cleverly cut-away wool coats and paper-thin silk dresses printed with what seemed ghostly x-rays struck a brilliantly tenuous note between sweet and creepy.

2

A real standout that would have held its own on any major runway, Sruli’s collection is made almost entirely from Icelandic materials: reindeer, taxidermy bird skins, horse and cod skin, lamb fur (and is rumored to be experimenting with tanning shark skin). It was something of a citified take on modern-day Viking might wear: slouchy three pieces suits, tailored rustic leather jackets and knit pants. And thanks to the Sruli Recht models, never have full beards been more alluring.

3

With their roots firmly planted in menswear tailoring (Andersen & Lauth was originally a tailor shop back in 1934), the handcrafted feel and attention to fit is still evident. Most pieces from their Atelier collection are hand-made, and it shows: delicate laces and beading seem like heirlooms and thanks to inventive layering and draping, what could just come across as girly flounce has a hint of edge.

4

Parading models down the runway to Cherry Bomb, her off-the-wall collection of slightly Goth, slightly tribal looks done up in hand-embroidered black sheers and tye-dyes had some serious personality. Add to that her signature hand-crocheted pieces (necklaces, tops, poodle bags) woven with unexpected crosses and guns, and what could have been a heavy-handed collection winds up feeling surprisingly playful.

5

The duo (and real-life couple) Magni Thorsteinsson and Hugrun Arnadottir debuted their first clothing collection during RFF 2011 on the heels of a wildly popular collection of vintage-inspired, brightly-colored footwear. The collection did not disappoint—the 1920’s feel was modernized with abstract prints, graphic tights and updated silhouettes in silk and knits—an absolute standout.

6

What looked like a gang of zombie skiers (complete with black spray painted ski boots and a ski pole for balance) paraded down the runway in a brilliant mix of black and white patterned knits—like a monochromatic Icelandic Missoni. The show was clearly a crowd favorite, drawing cheers, and with good reason—the pieces are statement making, but still fully wearable. The aviator-style glasses, however, might take a more adventurous spirit to pull off.