Scandinavian Grace
I fell in love with Brooklyn boutique Scandinavian Grace long before I ever visited. I can’t quite remember where I first read about Icelandic designer V√≠k Prj√≥nsd√≥ttir’s Twosome Blanket – think Snuggie for two – but I loved the idea of people laying side by side, keeping each other warm. By the time I arrived at the only Stockist I knew of in the US, the store had changed ownership and no longer carried in-store what I had by then deemed the Snuggie Wuggie. Fredrik Wide, the owner and operator of Scandinavian Grace, has put together an exquisite collection of contemporary products from Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Norway. New York City is no stranger to modern design shops, but it’s likely you’ll come across things here you’ve only ever seen in the odd restaurant or hotel. The Rocking Glasses by Britt Bonnesen are everything I’ve wished I had when hosting a dinner party; similar in design to the classic tumbler, the bottoms are rounded, allowing them to rock without spilling. Fredrik confesses his love for modernism, and cites Arne Jacobsen,¬†Alvar Alto and Kaj Franck as favorite designers. ‚”Many of the pieces in the store are classics,” he admits, but ‚”we do mix in some new things too, of which some probably will be considered classics¬†tomorrow.” From Marimekko duvet covers to playful Swedish rugs, Scandinavian Grace is a must-stop shop in home outfitting. Yet, with apparel so apropos of it’s location – the 100% Icelandic wool Beard Cap and Stepp Two Ashtray are personal favorites – I can’t help but think this the perfect boutique for gifting. In the spirit of exchanging ideas and recommendations, I’d take a look at the Karl and Mona clogs, traditional hand-made shoes from Sweden. At $105, they’re affordable; perhaps if we all wear these, the starlets will kick off their Chanel’s and that Karl’s trend will go the way of the dumpster. Speaking of rubbish, I plan on making a trip back to Scandinavian Grace when I can afford this hand-assembled Vipp trash can from Denmark. ¬†‚”It is not very difficult to pick the winners,” Fredrik say, ‚”when you have a store that caters to your own type.” How about picking my first purchase?
Scandinavian Grace
167 N 9th St
Brooklyn, NY 11222
(718) 384-7886
