Dress by Elisa HeinesenFor the first time, a hand-picked selection of independent, cutting edge designers from the Faroe Islands are coming to London to showcase their Spring/Summer 2010 collections. Faroe is an archipelago of 18 islands which lie northwest of Scotland and halfway between Iceland and Norway. With a strong emphasis on sustainability and inspiration from their island's upbringing, these distinctive designers, whose designs until now have been unavailable in the UK, will be able to show their unique collections to press and buyers at the London boutique Digitaria, Soho on Thursday 19th and Friday 20th November. Get as excited as we are for their strong aestethics, as today we bring you an exclusive sneak preview of Faroe sustainable style.

The Faroese designers, with their pride of heritage, include established names that show at
Copenhagen Fashion Week through to fledgling names in the industry. Selected by The Mushrooms Group, in association with the Faroese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the designers include: Barbara í Gongini, Guðrun & Guðrun, Elisa Heinesen, Malan av Lofti, SoulMade, Sirri, and Jóhanna av Steinum.

Elisa Heinesen's bold, sculptural designs that ooze modern wearability, such as her black chiffon dress (pictured above left) result from her upbringing in the Faroe Islands. Elisa shares "It's really because living in the Faroe Islands is so isolated, and your view of the world is that you are very distant from everyone else. If you want to achieve recognition for your work, your designs have to become bolder. You either fall away in the background or you make a statement."

Back in 1995, Heinesen visited London to do a life drawing course at Chelsea and has lived in London since. "I'm looking to use sustainable textiles in the future, but all my current designs are locally produced here so to minimise our carbon footprint." Heinesen is also working with fellow exhibitor, Sirri, to produce a sheepskin design collection.

The Sirri label only creates garments from Faroese wool and create a product which carries a special significance to the wearer. Like their Faroe counterparts, Sirri show a concerted effort towards environmental issues, and they are proving style does not have to be compromised for sustainable clothing.

Coloured scarf with tassles by Sirri and Jóhanna av Steinum Pink cardigan by Malan av Lofti

Barbara Í Gongini's designs are influenced way and beyond its Nordic origins and draws on inspiration gained from working with various artists, musicians and creatives. Highly experimental in approach, Gongini's collections deserve a home in high-end concept boutiques around the world.

White top, vest and leggings all by Barbara í GonginiThe design duo Guðrun and Guðrun experience a strong affiliation with their native islands and the majority of their clothing is manufactured and hand-made by Faroese and Jordanian women with a strong focus on sustainability. Using exquisite handcrafted techniques and locally sourced materials, the peaceful isolation of the Faroe Islands inspires these two lady designers to create some truly ethereal pieces. A visit to their website is highly recommended; Browse their womenswear, menswear and eco wool range for children, and listen to the sounds in the background to give you a strong sense of the wild Faroe Island environment.

Striped knit dress by Guðrun & GuðrunAlso among the seven designers to head their way to London is Soulmade. This Faroe design label subverts the traditions of Faroese design and craft into sexier, contemporary womenswear using
predominantly knitwear. Also in the spotlight is Jóhanna av Steinum, whose approach incorporates traditional Faroese patterns and styles into quirky, idiosyncratic pieces in candy colours and cute proportions. And last but not least, the Lofti signature style exudes a raw femininity with close attention to detail.

Grey leotard by SoulMade Pink scarf by Guðrun & Guðrun White necklace, worn on head, by Barbara í Gongini

Purple and yellow cardigan by Guðrun & Guðrun Grey romper suit by Barbara í Gongini Green gloves and Beige beanie hat both by SirriThe Faroese Designer show is definitely something to look forward to. And while only the fashion insiders, including us, will be present to soak it all up, and report on (will keep you posted!), the great news is that Digitaria will also be stocking selected pieces from the designers’ Autumn/ Winter ‘09 collection to go on sale for everyone to purchase. We like!