Svartbysvart is an independent design house rooted in eco-friendly craftsmanship.
Our work blends the minimalism, natural harmony, and mindful beauty of both Nordic and Japanese traditions into fully unisex clothing, accessories and artworks.
Each piece is a unique, handmade creation, crafted in very limited quantities to ensure the highest quality and a minimal environmental impact.
We use only organic or upcycled materials as a purposeful and personal refusal to depend on an overly wasteful world.
With roots in the rugged landscapes of Iceland, where we previously operated our shop, our design approach is guided by the stark beauty of nature and our deep existential connection to the oceans. We find inspiration in the fluid autonomy of whales, jellyfish, and creatures that exist in total harmony with the vast, dark environment of the deep
svartbysvart holds together and balances opposites:
playfulness and seriousness, tenderness and depth, fashion and philosophy.
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hand made
all our items are individually hand made by the artist. without external production, we have complete freedom to create with full intention, precision and care, ensuring that every piece reflects our vision and exists as a singular, uncompromised original.
eco-friendly
we are strong advocates of nature and ocean conservation. by using mainly organic and recycled materials and producing very small quantities, we keep our environmental impact low. we have a zero waste policy, and a complete ban on single-use plastic and other harmful materials. we also believe in informing and educating people about eco-consciousness and nature conservation.
unisex
all our items are fully unisex, offering unique and expressive pieces for everyone, despite of gender. each design embraces all identities without boundaries and honors the beauty of masculinity, femininity, and everything in between. this isn’t about making a statement, it's simply about offering the freedom to wear whatever resonates with you.
physical shop
In October 2024, we relocated from iceland to japan, to establish our new shop in the historic Ajiki Roji.
By the end of the month, SvartbySvart kyoto officially opened its doors, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the brand.
After successfully running two shops in Iceland, this move represented a bold step forward. Starting completely from scratch in Kyoto allowed us to focus fully on our artistry and creativity, bringing a renewed energy to our work.
While the transition has come with its challenges, it has also been a rewarding opportunity to push boundaries and explore new possibilities.
The historic houses of ajiki roji reflect our appreciation for tradition and genuine craftsmanship, while the vibrant community of artists and designers offered a collaborative environment that inspired us daily.
about the artist
marko svart of svartbysvart is a finnish/swedish multidisciplinary artist and designer, born and raised in stockholm. he has lived the past 8 years in iceland, where he pursued a full time career as a designer for his own brand.
in addition to svartbysvart, marko is active in a wide range of artistic fields, including conceptual art, film, music and performance.
find more of svart’s works here: