Ásdís Jóelsdóttir: Icelandic lopapeysa – a part of Iceland’s history and culture

Ásdís Jóelsdóttir is a Lecturer in textile at the University of Iceland. Among her published works are Icelandic lopi sweater – origins, history and design (2017, short version in English 2018), Design History (2013), The History of Clothing and Fashion Design in Iceland (2009) and Fashion of the Centuries (2005).

There are many factors that have influenced the history of the sweater and how the Icelandc lopapeysa came into existence. It is true to say that this development was closely linked to the nation’s social, industrial, export, design and textile history in Iceland. The Icelandic lopapeysa as it is best known: a sweater or cardigan, made from unspun Icelandic wool in natural colours with a band of pattern around the yoke and a section of the pattern repeated around the lower part of the body and the ends of the sleeves. The sweater has in recent years as well been a popular model for young Icelandic designers that have gained inspiration from the raw materials, design, craftmanship and the image that the Icelandic lopapeysa stands for. Today the Icelandic lopapeysa is held in respect and is regarded as a valuable part of Iceland’s history and culture. Wearing this sweater is the proof you need for the world to know that you have been in Iceland.

Lecturer: Ásdís Jóelsdóttir

Language: English

Time: Sunday, 13:00-14:00, 26th April 2020

Talk length: 1 hour

Place: Near Iðnó in downtown Reykjavík. Participants will get an email with details in time before lecture starts.

Price: 4.900 ISK