We dive into the story behind the playful, quirky knits of Ýr Jóhannsdóttir. Working under the name Ýrúrarí, the Iceland-based designer received considerable attention last year for her cheeky, slightly grotesque masks, a collection that exemplifies both her aesthetics and dedication to bringing others into her process.

Managing editor Grace Ebert speaks with Jóhannsdóttir about her lighthearted, interactive approach to wearable art, her commitment to making design accessible, and how she envisions a more holistic future for sustainable fashion.

Grace: What are you working on now at the Design Museum?

Ýr: I have an open studio now at the Design MuseumBisa Butler On Her Approach to ‘Painting with Fabric in a town called Gardabaer. What I’m doing there is a project of fixing old sweaters that I get from the textile clothing gathering of the Red Cross of Iceland. I’m taking the sweaters that have holes or stains in them. They can’t be sold and I’m working with them and creating them or changing them into my design and art.

The concept of an open studio is usually that you can go and look at the artist’s work and have a chat maybe, but I wanted to try and open it a bit more so people can also come and take part in my work. I have a stand of sweaters, and people can make this agreement with me that if they try them on, make sure that they will take care of it, use it, and that it fits with their style and closet, then they can take it. I’m getting them for almost nothing from the Red Cross anyway. I just want to trust people and have them make this promise that they will make it last.

At the museum, I will also have some workshops where people can come and fix the sweaters with me. It’s this idea: instead of always buying new things, make the old things last longer because that’s what we have to do right now.