Embracing the Artistry of Fashion
Vera Thordardottir is a visionary fashion designer who brings her unique blend of creativity, craftsmanship, and passion to the world of fashion. With roots in Icelandic culture and nature, Vera specializes in sustainable luxury design and emotive lifestyle brand development.
Growing up surrounded by the natural beauty on the outskirts of Reykjavik, Vera developed a deep respect for nature and the importance of sustainable living. From the young age of 4, she began sewing and knitting, honing her textile skills throughout her primary and secondary education.
After completing her studies in Business & Economics, Vera embarked on a transformative journey, securing a Leonardo da Vinci grant to travel and immerse herself in Italian language and culture. Later, she moved to London to study Fashion Design at the esteemed Istituto Marangoni, where she showcased her talent by opening the graduation show in 2010 and receiving a Special Mention Award at the FAD Fashion Design Competition.
Shortly after graduating, Vera's talent caught the attention of none other than Lady Gaga, who selected pieces from her collection to wear at high-profile events. Encouraged by the success, Vera launched her own brand, VERA, at the Reykjavik Fashion Festival in 2011.
Her career continued to flourish as she worked for renowned brands such as Céline under the guidance of Phoebe Philo and Rose & Willard, where she focused on innovative career wear for inspiring women. In 2016, Vera co-founded Bears Ice Cream Company, where she sits on the board and contributes to branding and communication strategies.
During her downtime in COVID, Vera attended the Executive Leadership Program at Oxford University, where she further honed her leadership skills and gained valuable insights into impactful strategies for building creative teams. Her remarkable performance in the program, earning a reputable score of 91%, led to an invitation to mentor with Paul Temporal, an Associate Fellow and Global Branding Expert at Oxford. Vera has since been collaborating with Paul, leveraging his expertise in branding, and they continue to work together on various projects. Additionally, Paul Temporal now sits on the board of Bears Ice Cream Company, further strengthening their partnership. Vera's dedication to continuous learning and her association with esteemed institutions like Oxford University have greatly contributed to her growth as a leader in the fashion industry.
As an independent consultant, Vera has successfully led turnarounds for luxury fashion brands, gaining recognition in the global fashion press and achieving significant increases in turnover. Her expertise extends to mentoring and advising companies on impactful brand strategies, collaborating with esteemed professionals and contributing to books on branding.
In 2023, Vera's innovative and timeless designs were acknowledged with a second-place award in a competition organized by the Icelandic Design Association and creators of Icelandic Tweed.
Vera Thordardottir's journey showcases her unwavering commitment to sustainable luxury fashion, creativity, and leadership, making her a prominent figure in the industry.
Career Highlights
May 2023
2020-2023
2020
2016-2018
2014-2016
2014
2013-2014
2012-2013
2010-2012
2010-2012
2010-2012
2010
2010
2007-2010
2003-2005
AQVAROSSA, Creative Director and Brand Consultant
Successful brand turn around featuring in global publications
Graduates Oxford Executive Leadership Program
Sands & Hall, Design Lead & Brand Consultant
Freelance Fashion Designer & Luxury Brand Consultant
Personal leave to care for a permanently ill family member
Rose & Willard, Senior Womenswear Designer
CELINE - Product Development - LVMH Fashion Divison
VERA opens Reykjavik Fashion Festival 2011
Creations by Vera worn by Lady Gaga in addition to many designs appearing in international publications and global exhibitions
VERA - Creative Director, Avant Garde Brand
Vauxhall Fashion Scout FAD Competition special mention award
Hussein Chalayan - Assistant to Jessica Lomax, current Global Head of Design at Calvin Klein
Istituto Marangoni - BA Womenswear Fashion Design
Commercial College of Iceland - College Degree in Business and Economics