Kickstarter

Cloaked in affliction, "hvalreki" is the Icelandic word for good fortune. Translated literally, however, it means "beached whale". In the unforgiving climate of the arctic circle, the misfortune of this giant beast often meant survival to a starving village. Icelanders were married to the ocean. They lived and died by it.

This collection, "The Men of Narrow Fjord" embodies the coarse, weathered voice of the Scandinavian fisherman. He lived a turbulent life as he pursued the monsters of the sea, and seldom found solace in a part of the world farthest from human habitation. In times of economic struggle, polluted waters, and the death of an industry, this man clings to the whaling lifestyle in order to preserve his culture, and above all, his identity.

The Fall/Winter collection is grounded in rugged utility, but merges with modern style inspired by Scandinavian and Asian sportswear. The silhouettes evoke broken lines, and textural distortion exposes and illuminates the distress of a character on the verge of losing his way of life. Thick, durable fabrics are used for bottom weight and outerwear garments, while soft, comfortable knits and printed wovens, inspired by centuries of Scandinavian people, comprise the top weight material.

Hvalreki is a term rooted in the bond between the Icelandic people and the sea, of the ebb and flow of life. And while the story behind its origin is one of misfortune and endless struggle, this word finds its true nature in the good fortune of perseverance.