Our Story
Studio Erindrekar was founded in 2023 by product designers Íris Indriðadóttir and Signý Jónsdóttir. After taking part in a three-year design research project about eiderdown, they began working closely with farmers Sigrún Ólafsdóttir and Pétur Jónsson in Seyðisfjörður, East Iceland. Over time, their collaboration grew into a shared commitment to sustainable eider farming.
Today, Íris and Signý focus solely on this rare Icelandic material, expanding their knowledge and craftsmanship through each season.
Studio Erindrekar was founded in 2023 by product designers Íris Indriðadóttir and Signý Jónsdóttir. After taking part in a three-year design research project about eiderdown, they began working closely with farmers Sigrún Ólafsdóttir and Pétur Jónsson in Seyðisfjörður, East Iceland. Over time, their collaboration grew into a shared commitment to sustainable eider farming.
Today, Íris and Signý focus solely on this rare Icelandic material, expanding their knowledge and craftsmanship through each season.
Eiderdown is the exceptionally light and warm down that female eider ducks naturally shed from their chests during nesting season. This helps them keep their eggs warm with their body temperature.
In Iceland, the collection of eiderdown is a centuries-old tradition conducted annually during May and June. Eider farmers carefully harvest the down from each nest, ensuring minimal disturbance to the birds. Throughout the nesting season, farmers actively protect the colonies from predators. Following the harvesting season, the down undergoes a cleaning process, through a series of machines that effectively remove residual debris. It is then gently washed with soap, and then any remaining feathers are meticulously removed by hand.
The extensive time and care invested in harvesting and processing this exceptional material contribute to the rarity and value of Icelandic eiderdown.
Erindrekar is an Icelandic word meaning envoys or messengers. It reflects the idea of carrying traditions and materials from one place to another with purpose and intention. Everyone involved in the process of creating the products from Erindrekar becomes an Erindreki.
Studio Erindrekar balances dual roles as eider farmers during Iceland’s short summers and designers through the long winters. This seasonal rhythm allows them to oversee every step of their small-scale production process.
Erindrekar are committed to using only first-quality materials that respect both the environment and human well-being. Every item is locally sourced, handcrafted, and accompanied by a certificate detailing its journey from nest to finished product.