These are the Icelandic labels that iconic celebrities, from Taylor Swift to Tilda Swinton, are sporting
It can be a challenge for Icelandic fashion brands to standout in the increasingly saturated Scandinavian style scene. But despite their buzzy Nordic neighbours soaking up the spotlight, a new crop of talented Icelandic designers are successfully making a name for themselves. Bolstered by an original point of view and under-the-radar appeal, these homegrown labels have caught the eye of forward-thinking celebrity stylists on the hunt for what’s new and next.
Here are the three influencer-approved Icelandic designers you need to know about now.
Anita Hirlekar
From the First Lady of Iceland Eliza Reid to the country’s Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir, Anita Hirlekar’s pleasing florals and flattering fits made of recycled fibres have made her a favourite of high-profile Icelandic women. “They are artists, CEOs and actors working in creative fields who want to feel empowered,” she says of her loyal clients.
The Central Saint Martins graduate has dressed film director Rungano Nyoni for the BAFTA Awards and Independent Spirit Awards, and has worked with international stylists such as Jane How, Kawah Pour and Toby Grimditch. She has also just released a new collaboration with cult-favourite London-based eyewear brand Cutler & Gross. The first drop from the collection features an angular cat-eye frame featuring a faceted upper rim and elegant tapered temples, rendered in Hirlikker’s unexpected colour combinations such as violet and mango.
Anita Hirlekar is sold exclusively online and at Kiosk Grandi in Reykjavik.
Anita Hirlekar recently revealed a new eyewear collaboration with Cutler & Gross. Photo: Rut Sigurdardottir
Hildur Yeoman
The darling of Icelandic fashion is just as beloved for her life-of-the-party printed frocks and ABBA-esque matching sets as she is for her seasonal soirees. Her most recent show, entitled 'In Bloom', was styled by Edda Gudmundsdottir, who also works with Björk, another Yeoman fan. Other stylists who have discovered Yeoman include Dani Michelle, Alexandra and Mackenzie Grandquist, Oliver Vaughn and Kris Fe.
As a result, her designs have been spotted on singers such as Kehlani, Raye, Khruangbin’s Laura Leezy, Taylor Swift and Ellie Goulding. Kylie Jenner and best friend Stassie Baby have also both worn Yeoman, as has actress Temiloluwa Otedola, influencers Maya Henry and Thora Valdimars, and comedian Amelia Dimoldenberg. “Coming from a small island in the middle of nowhere, it's amazing how Instagram has helped a lot in bringing us closer to the fashion world,” Yeoman says.
Hildur Yeoman is sold exclusively through hilduryeoman.com and her store Yeoman Reykjavik.
Hildur Yeoman is the darling of Icelandic fashion. Photo: Saga Sig
Kalda
Since launching one of Iceland’s only footwear labels in 2016, designer Katrin Alda's contemporary designs have consistently stood out from the crowd. Kalda’s Portugal-crafted boots, pumps and loafers balance seductive silhouettes with comfortable construction.
Early adopters included Kate Bosworth and Tilda Swinton, and more recently Elsa Hosk, Emma Corrin, Alicia Vikander, Robyn, and the Hadids have been spotted in the designer’s creations. “Bella wore the Fory Boot with a Tom Ford Gucci set for her birthday,” says Alda. “And that look, which she styled herself, was the best thing I’ve seen.” It helps that stylists such as Harry Lambert, Dani Michelle, Victoria Sekrier and Mimi Cutrell are also admirers.
This month, the brand debuts a new line of 1990s-inspired handbags.
Kalda is sold exclusively online through kalda.com and the Kalda store in Reykjavik.
Katrin Alda's contemporary designs have caught the eye of Elsa Hosk and Bella Hadid. Photo: Vidar Logi