Long known for its cutting-edge music and art, Iceland hasn’t made much of an impression on the fashion world, Bjork’s eyebrow-raising swan dress notwithstanding. But a nascent style scene is now taking root in the capital, stoked by the city’s pervasive youth culture and a fashion program at the Iceland Academy of the Arts. A clutch of trailblazing downtown shops present an idiosyncratic blend of design, art and clothes — and provide a welcome new daytime diversion in a city that doesn’t really come alive until after dark.
1. Kisan
Olivier Brémond and Thorunn Anspach stock their carefully curated emporium with Icelandic hand-knit sweaters, German titanium suitcases, French baby gear, children’s furniture from Mali and an eclectic selection of books and CDs. 7 Laugavegur; 011-354-561-6262.
2. Steinunn
After stints at Calvin Klein and Gucci, Steinunn Sigurd returned to Reykjavik and opened this atelier, where you’ll find lava-and-glass sculptures by Icelandic artists and Sigurd’s own feminine knits in the somber colors of a Nordic winter. 59 Laugavegur (second floor); 011-354-588-6649.
3. Start Art
Everything in this gallery is handmade by seven Icelandic artists, including knits by the pixieish GaGa Skorrdal. Not everyone can pull off her bulky sleeveless dresses (it helps if you’re tall, thin and Icelandic), but the wool hats embellished with wisps of tulle make great souvenirs. 12B Laugavegur; 011-354-551-2306.
4. Kronkron
An offshoot of the Kron shoe store (down the street at 48 Laugavegur), this loftlike boutique sells billowy satin dresses by the Serbian designer Roksanda Ilincic, vibrantly patterned skirts by the Japanese-British duo Eley Kishimoto and embroidered men’s long johns by Marjan Pejoski. 63B Laugavegur; 011-354-562-8388.
5. Belleville
A young couple opened this boutique last summer to reflect their interest in street culture, fashion and skateboarding. Hence: limited-edition sneakers and skateboards, Japanese toys, clothing by designers like Patrik Soderstam and Yuko Yoshitake, and obscure art and fashion magazines. 55 Laugavegur; 011-354-534-9790.
6. Liborius/Dead
The artist Jon Audarson recently opened a pair of shops to showcase his personal style. Liborius (14 Nylendugata, at Myrargata; 011-354-551-6811) has skinny handmade ties by Kendi, rockabilly jeans from April 77 and edgy pieces by Jeremy Scott and Ann Demeulemeester. Dead features Audarson’s own skull-emblazoned clothing line, a favorite of bands like Metallica and Placebo (29 Laugavegur; 011-354-551-6801).
7. The Naked Ape
The 26-year-old Sara Maria Eythorsdottir calls her shop an ”artistic playground.” That sounds just about right for a space painted with eye-popping murals where you can pick up screen-printed tees, take in paintings by local artists and hear live music from up-and-coming bands. 14 Bankastraeti (second floor); 011-354-551-1415.
8. Trilogia
The designer Saeunn Huld is a booster of fledgling local talent, selling work by recent fashion-school graduates alongside European heavyweights like Preen, Erotokritos and Alexander McQueen. She also displays emerging artists’ work and hosts regular art openings — ”a good excuse to throw a party,” she says. 7 Laugavegur; 011-354-551-1733.