Meet the six brands that attended the event in New York
On Saturday, the 20th, each of the six brands attending the Fog Swept Islands event at Scandinavia House in York gave a 3-minute presentation of their brand and vision. Listen to the presentations below
Panel discussion with Isabella Rossellini
After the screening of the documentary ‘The Wool Islands’ and the six brand presentations, it was time for the panel discussion.
Actress, model and sheep owner Isabella Rossellini moderated a discussion with Sissal Kristiansen (Shisa Brand and The Wool Islands initiator), Óli Kristian á Torkilsheyggi (Navia) and Jóhanna av Steinum (Steinum).
Their conversation explored wool, traditions, knitting, and fashion—how the Faroese (historically and today) have contributed to these topics. It was a wonderful and joyful panel discussion accompanied by plenty of questions from the audience.
photos by Edwina Hay @arenotphotos
Sissal Kristiansen, Shisa Brand photo by Edwina Hay @arenotphotos
Jóhanna av Steinum, Steinum photo by Edwina Hay @arenotphotos
Unn Poulsen, Einstakt photo by Edwina Hay @arenotphotos
Durita Thomsen photo by Edwina Hay @arenotphotos
Rebekka á Fjallinum photo by Edwina Hay @arenotphotos
Óli Kristian á Torkilsheyggi, Navia photo by Edwina Hay @arenotphotos
Isabella Rossellini photo by Edwina Hay @arenotphotos
A few shots from the showcase at Scandinavia House
photo by Edwina Hay @arenotphotos
photo by Edwina Hay @arenotphotos
photo by Edwina Hay @arenotphotos
photo by Edwina Hay @arenotphotos
photo by Edwina Hay @arenotphotos
Jóhanna (Steinum) and Sissal (Shisa Brand) visited Isabella Rossellini at her farm on Long Island to prepare for the event at Scandinavia House on Saturday.
Mama Farm is a short two-hour train ride and drive from Manhattan. It was one of the best days, to say the least. Isabella showed us around the farm. We got acquainted with her sheep, goats, chicken and ducks. She told us of the vision with Mama Farm. We talked about biodiversity and the power of community. We were introduced to her knitting friends and the egg yolk hat project. We had a great lunch. We got a tour of the Bed & Breakfast. We talked about fast and slow fashion. We even talked about Isabella visiting the Faroe Islands during shearing season.
Most of all, we discussed wool, sheep breeds, the difference between different types of sheep wool and evolution, and knitters’ contribution to the fashion world. We planned for Saturday - what to include and how to best involve the audience. The chemistry between us ladies, who will take the stage together on Saturday, felt so amazing that our biggest worry is not what to talk about but when to stop.
DURITA THOMSEN by designer Durita Jógvansdóttir Thomsen is a handcrafted fashion brand based in the Faroe Islands. The small and exclusive collection features captivating knitwear, one-of-a-kind waste yarn pieces, and upcycled creations inspired by traditional Faroese craftsmanship and a commitment to sustainable living. The style is characterised by individuality and comfort.
EINSTAKT is all about purpose-driven design. Mixing classic Nordic aesthetics with a commitment to sustainability, their slow fashion ethos ensures that every piece is built to last. Its style with substance offers a timeless look that is as enduring as eco-conscious. The result is unique designs that withstand the test of time.
REKA is recognised for its minimalistic and refined designs, meticulous attention to detail, and distinctive elements. Her collection, EINLITT, which translates to "one colour" in English, emphasises garment shapes and enhances each piece's unique form
Navia isn't just another yarn producer; it's a beacon of Faroese creativity. From classic sweaters to intricate knitting patterns, their yarns inspire makers to knit their dreams into reality. Offering a wide range of hand-knitting yarns, including 100% Faroese wool yarns, Navia inspires creativity among customers while also providing sweaters and knitting patterns.
Shisa Brand's creations are like wearing a piece of the Faroe Islands itself. Crafted from local wool and lovingly handcrafted on the islands, they pay homage to centuries of knitting tradition while strutting boldly into the contemporary scene. Shisa Brand isn't just clothing; it's outerwear with attitude.
STEINUM's knitwear doesn't just wrap you up; it wraps you in stories. STEINUM's knitwear designs feature captivating patterns, vibrant colours, and occasional touches of humour. Drawing from Faroese traditions and international influences, the designs cater to individuals seeking to make a statement in any crowd.
The Wool Islands are coming to New York this spring to attend Fog Swept Islands: Faroese Culture Days at Scandinavia House in Manhattan, New York.
Join us for an interesting and extensive program on Saturday, April 20th. The day is divided into two parts; both require tickets.
We start in the Auditorium (tickets 20$): The program begins with a screening of the short documentary The Wool Islands (dir. Beinta á Torkilsheyggi and Marianna Mørkøre, 16 min. - same young women who directed the award-winning ‘Heartist’), followed by an introduction of the six Faroese brands participating in Fog Swept Islands: Einstakt, Shisa Brand, Navia, REKA, Steinum, and Durita Thomsen.
In the second part of this program, actress, model and sheep owner Isabella Rossellini will moderate a discussion with Sissal Kristiansen (Shisa Brand and The Wool Islands initiator), Jóhanna av Steinum (Steinum), and Óli Kristian á Torkilsheyggi (Navia). Their conversation will explore wool, traditions, knitting and fashion — how the Faroese (historically and to today) have contributed to these topics.
After the first part in the auditorium, we move to Volvo Hall (tickets are 5$ - free for the auditorium event ticket holders). A knitwear showcase and drop-in knitting event (1-5 PM on Saturday and 12-2 PM on Sunday 21st) will open. You’ll have the opportunity to meet the designers and talk wool, knit, tradition, design vision and sustainable fashion from the Faroe Islands. Featured brands include Einstakt, Shisa Brand, Navia, REKA, Steinum, and Durita Thomsen.
Sunday program includes a three-hour knitting workshop (tickets 70$) led by renowned Faroese knitter Sára Mrdalo, the head knitter at Navia! This program will explore the rich tradition of Faroese knitting, teaching participants new techniques and different pattern-work such as lace, structure, cable knit, and two-colored patterns. Participants will work on five different projects and will learn the techniques to create five patterns in order to finish four featured sweaters as well as skóleistur, a shoe knitted from woolen yarn.
Join us for a celebration of Faroese Design, Wool and Knitting!
Get your tickets here:
Design from the Faroe Islands: Panel Discussion and Film Screening
Isabella Rossellini, celebrated for her illustrious modeling and acting career, is also deeply passionate about sheep and wool. As the face of Lancôme cosmetics in the 1980s, she captivated audiences with her timeless beauty. Transitioning seamlessly into acting, Rossellini earned acclaim for her performances on screen.
However, beyond her Hollywood success, Rossellini's heart lies with her love for nature and animals, particularly sheep. An avid shepherdess, she explores the intersection of fashion, ecology, and sustainability, advocating for sustainable farming practices and animal welfare.