ÞYKJÓ is a world of costumes, workshops, installations and adventures for children. ÞYKJÓ is an interdisciplinary designer collective, joining the forces of architect, fashion designers, theatre designer and children’s culture designer with the aim to encourage free play and curiosity in children.
ÞYKJÓ is a world of costumes, workshops, installations and adventures for children.
Our costumes stimulate children’s imaginations through open play. Costumes are tailored to grow with the child, built out of genuine and high-quality design products. Our designs aim to pique children’s interest in animal diversity and we work with gender-neutral characters. To create the costumes, ÞYKJÓ consults with paediatricians, biologists, and— most importantly—children.
ÞYKJÓ is committed to eco-conscious design that encourages environmental awareness. Costumes are inspired by animals from various ecosystems as a way to spark children’s curiosity in the world around us. Wherever possible, we reuse the textile industry’s scrap materials through rescue of leftover stock and cut-offs.
ÞYKJÓ is the brainchild of theatre artist and designer Sigríður Sunna Reynisdóttir. She has partnered with architect Erla Ólafsdóttir, fashion designers Sigurbjörg Stefánsdóttir and Tanja Huld Levý Guðmundsdóttir as well as toy designer and illustrator Ninna Þórarinsdóttir, specializing in children’s culture design.
In 2021 the ÞYKJÓ collective are artists in residency at the Culture Houses of Kópavogur (Gerðarsafn Art Museum, Salurinn Music Hall, Library of Kópavogur). During Design March 2021 we will highlight the work created thus far including the following installations:
SUPERHEROS OF THE EARTH
A playful installation at Kópavogur Library featuring costumes from our collection Superheros of the Earth.
TRANQUILITY SPACE
Is it furniture design? Is it an installation? Our Tranquility Spaces are designed for children and their parents to retreat to a shell inspired by snails, sea shells and tortoises. ÞYKJÓ’s designers have explored ways to be an introvert in public, turning their attention to quality of sound, light and tactile sensory experiences. The pieces are exhibited at Gerðarsafn Art Museum where the designers have been artists in residency from January – April.
BIRD SONGS
An installation inspired by bird songs and their nesting habits. Children are invited to explore sounds and music in human size nests created in close collaboration with sight impaired craftsmen at Blindrastofan – the Icelandic organization for the visually impaired. Each nest contains textile eggs designed by ÞYKJÓ, which have been programmed with bird sounds in collaboration with musician Sóley. Stefánsdóttir.