The James Cook sweater is the winner of Product at the Icelandic Design Awards 2024

The James Cook sweater, designed by Helga Lilja Magnúsdóttir, fashion designer, in collaboration with Stephan Stephensen, artist, for BAHNS, is the winner of Product of the Year at the Icelandic Design Awards 2024 for being an excellent example of good design’s social influence.

From the jury:

The James Cook sweater is an extraordinary example of good design’s social influence. There is a sense of community among the fans of this garment, which has rightfully become a modern classic in Icelandic design. A successful iconic pattern was created that draws inspiration from fishing and seamanship. The pattern is also represented in a variety of other knitted garments and swimwear by BAHNS. The sweater is unisex and therefore suitable for all. It is manufactured and released in various colors in limited supply, which enhances its value as a collectible.

BAHNS does not follow the traditional ideology of the fashion industry where the norm is to release new items every year. Knitting is inherently environmentally friendly compared to other garment manufacturing processes as its waste material is minimal and the result is a durable, long-life product.

The James Cook sweater is an extraordinary example of timeless Icelandic design that is conceived from and manufactured for Icelandic reality, versatile in weather and dynamic in zeitgeist. Design and production are given breathing room resulting in a well-made, iconic, and durable garment.

The award ceremony took place for the 11th time on November 7th in Gróska, in the presence of a large crowd who celebrated outstanding design. 

The category Product calls for outstandingly designed projects that have been produced. A variety of items from different materials, garments, furniture, prints, clay, textiles, jewelry or services can be considered.

The Icelandic Design Award honours the best Icelandic design and architecture annually. The importance of design in society, culture and business has been growing steadily, and it is therefore vital to increase the understanding of good design and highlight the value of quality. 

The Icelandic Design Award is established by Iceland Design and Architecture in collaboration with the Iceland University of the Arts, the Museum of Design and Applied Art, Promote Iceland, The Housing and Construction Authorities of Iceland, SI - the Federation of Icelandic Industries, The University of Iceland Science Park and Gróska.