Collection 4 THE NORTH

153
KALTBLUT: What was the first piece you ever designed? And
what was it for?
GUDMUNDUR: It was some ridiculous jacket with a Dracula collar and
orange buttons. I made it for my application to the Icelandic Academy of
the Arts. Unnsteinn, who is now the lead singer of Icelandic band Retro
Stefson modeled for me. Good times.
KALTBLUT: How did you grow up in Iceland? Did you get the
support from your family and friends?
GUDMUNDUR: My childhood is pretty basic. Sports, fishing, skiing. I
grew up in Reykjavik. I was a pretty hyperactive child, although my mother
says I was just an „active“ child with an „active imagination“.
KALTBLUT: The fashion scene in Reykjavik is growing a lot
these days. The international fashion world is looking at your
country. Why is Iceland the place to be for you?
GUDMUNDUR: Iceland is the best and Iceland is the worst. I like the
contrast and I need the over exaggerated contrast.
KALTBLUT: Are there any menswear designers you look up
to? And if so, why?
GUDMUNDUR: Alexander McQueen - He was a damn good designer and
did a lot for modern menswear.
KALTBLUT: Can you name 3 must have items for a modern
man?
GUDMUNDUR: Linen jacket, linen shirt, linen trousers.
KALTBLUT: There is so much good work from music to art to
fashion coming from Iceland. It is always a big inspiration.
Can you explain why your folk is one of the most creative
ones in the world? What is the secret of Icelandic artists?
GUDMUNDUR: There is a nice concoction between creative fields in
Iceland. The music scene in Iceland is the best example of how to do good
- Everybody helps each other out. The competition is built on good terms
and that‘s how it should be with every scene. Nearly all of my friends are
musicians, it‘s kind of funny.
KALTBLUT: Which are your favourite artists from Iceland?
And why?
GUDMUNDUR: This might be the most difficult question I have been
asked… My all-time favourite is Prins Póló. The new Retro Stefson record
is also brilliant -- And at this exact moment I am listening to the new
Hjaltalín album and it is really, really good. Ragnar Kjartansson, Apfelsin
Bros - Sindri Sin Fang & Örvar Múm. FM-Belfast. Inga Birgis. I could go on
and on.
KALTBLUT: Have you ever been to Berlin? Or Germany in general?
And what do you know about our fashion scene here?
GUDMUNDUR: Yes, I have been to Berlin. I spent 3 weeks there once. It‘s
a tremendous city and I hope to live there one day. Actually I love Germany,
I support the German football team and I love German language. I am sort
of a Germanophile.
KALTBLUT: Thank you very much for the interview. And good
luck on your way with the label.