Terry Devos was born in Uganda and moved to England when he was 13 years old. He and his former fiancée and their children relocated to Iceland 8 years ago, as they felt the fast-paced urban London life-style was not suitable for raising a family. Terry had visited Iceland a number of times before his move and was impressed by the creativity of the people, the music, the fashion, and the unique landscapes.
Terry now co-owns the men’s fashion boutique Skyrta at Skólavörðustígur 21, where he also holds the position of art director.
When did you move to Iceland and why?
“I moved to Iceland from London about 8 years ago. I came here with my fiancée, the mother of my children. We decided to move to Iceland a year after our first child was born. The fast-paced urban life-style of London was not suitable for raising a family, and Iceland seemed like a better option.
I’d visited Iceland a couple of times before, during holidays, and I was always impressed and intrigued by the sheer creativity of Icelanders. Before my first visit, I saw Sigur Rós perform at Brixton Academy in London and thought it was the most beautiful music I had ever heard! From then on, Iceland and Sigur Rós’s music were one and the same to me. I often thought, if ever this land could speak, this is the sound it would make.”
I think Icelandic people love to present themselves fashionably well
Is the country much like you had expected, or were there many surprises?
“No surprises as such. I mean Iceland is a small community, once you’ve been here a short time you kind of get the gist of things. For an African man, this was, and still is, by far the most unique land I have ever been to. The landscape is almost mystical! I felt right at home here.”
Are there many similarities in the two cultures?
“Yes, of course. I think there are quite a few similarities, this is still Europe after all. The Viking culture and history mixed with most European countries in the past. That’s got to leave a mark. But the main difference to me is the general Icelandic self-expression, especially in music, art, and style. There seems to be an unreserved playfulness in most artistic expression here. Also, I think Icelandic people love to present themselves fashionably well. I've worked in men’s fashion for a while now, and in Iceland I've noticed how most Icelandic men seem to take pride in their general appearance. Don´t get me wrong, I’m not pushing vanity on the stereotypically tough Viking man. I think it’s refreshing for a man not to feel constrained by society. There also seems to be a strong need for individuality when it comes to clothing and style. Since Iceland is like a small community, I guess no one wants to look the same.”
What do you like most about Iceland?
“Apart from the fresh air and clean water, there’s hardly any crime here. Plus I’ve good friends here now who keep me loving this place.”
Iceland is supposedly one of the happiest countries in the world, but it is also said that Icelanders are quite stand-offish and hard to get to know. What’s your opinion?
“Well, I guess like anywhere really, if you want to understand a people, it tends to be much easier if you learn the language first. My experiences of Iceland keep getting better because I’m becoming more and more conversant with the Icelandic language.”
If you had to describe Iceland in one word, what would that be?
“I’d say ‘mystical’.”
Did you find it difficult to learn the Icelandic language?
“Yes, it gets easier in time, of course, but I guess being an English speaker, I found it rather difficult to start with, as there is hardly any frame of reference in the two languages, so it took me awhile. I’m still grasping the basics really. But now I enjoy it more than before. And I love that Icelanders are very encouraging when you try to speak their language.”
Some people say that they feel they have different personalities depending on what language they are speaking – is that something you would agree on?
“I think that might be true. I think when we learn a language, we also learn the expressions, mannerisms, and intonation of that language.”
Any local recommendations for tourists visiting Iceland?
“I’d recommend people take a drive, in any direction, to the Icelandic countryside—it’s sure to take your breath away. I also recommend a visit to Skyrta for the ultimate Icelandic men’s fashion experience.”
Iceland Insider met with four people from four African countries who have made their home on this small island in the North Atlantic.
Terry Devos was born in Uganda and moved to England when he was 13 years old. He and his former fiancée and their children relocated to Iceland 8 years ago, as they felt the fast-paced urban London life-style was not suitable for raising a family. Terry had visited Iceland a number of times before his move and was impressed by the creativity of the people, the music, the fashion, and the unique landscapes.
Terry now co-owns the men’s fashion boutique Skyrta at Skólavörðustígur 21, where he also holds the position of art director.
When did you move to Iceland and why?
“I moved to Iceland from London about 8 years ago. I came here with my fiancée, the mother of my children. We decided to move to Iceland a year after our first child was born. The fast-paced urban life-style of London was not suitable for raising a family, and Iceland seemed like a better option.
I’d visited Iceland a couple of times before, during holidays, and I was always impressed and intrigued by the sheer creativity of Icelanders. Before my first visit, I saw Sigur Rós perform at Brixton Academy in London and thought it was the most beautiful music I had ever heard! From then on, Iceland and Sigur Rós’s music were one and the same to me. I often thought, if ever this land could speak, this is the sound it would make.”
I think Icelandic people love to present themselves fashionably well
Is the country much like you had expected, or were there many surprises?
“No surprises as such. I mean Iceland is a small community, once you’ve been here a short time you kind of get the gist of things. For an African man, this was, and still is, by far the most unique land I have ever been to. The landscape is almost mystical! I felt right at home here.”
Are there many similarities in the two cultures?
“Yes, of course. I think there are quite a few similarities, this is still Europe after all. The Viking culture and history mixed with most European countries in the past. That’s got to leave a mark. But the main difference to me is the general Icelandic self-expression, especially in music, art, and style. There seems to be an unreserved playfulness in most artistic expression here. Also, I think Icelandic people love to present themselves fashionably well. I've worked in men’s fashion for a while now, and in Iceland I've noticed how most Icelandic men seem to take pride in their general appearance. Don´t get me wrong, I’m not pushing vanity on the stereotypically tough Viking man. I think it’s refreshing for a man not to feel constrained by society. There also seems to be a strong need for individuality when it comes to clothing and style. Since Iceland is like a small community, I guess no one wants to look the same.”
What do you like most about Iceland?
“Apart from the fresh air and clean water, there’s hardly any crime here. Plus I’ve good friends here now who keep me loving this place.”
Iceland is supposedly one of the happiest countries in the world, but it is also said that Icelanders are quite stand-offish and hard to get to know. What’s your opinion?
“Well, I guess like anywhere really, if you want to understand a people, it tends to be much easier if you learn the language first. My experiences of Iceland keep getting better because I’m becoming more and more conversant with the Icelandic language.”
If you had to describe Iceland in one word, what would that be?
“I’d say ‘mystical’.”
Did you find it difficult to learn the Icelandic language?
“Yes, it gets easier in time, of course, but I guess being an English speaker, I found it rather difficult to start with, as there is hardly any frame of reference in the two languages, so it took me awhile. I’m still grasping the basics really. But now I enjoy it more than before. And I love that Icelanders are very encouraging when you try to speak their language.”
Some people say that they feel they have different personalities depending on what language they are speaking – is that something you would agree on?
“I think that might be true. I think when we learn a language, we also learn the expressions, mannerisms, and intonation of that language.”
Any local recommendations for tourists visiting Iceland?
“I’d recommend people take a drive, in any direction, to the Icelandic countryside—it’s sure to take your breath away. I also recommend a visit to Skyrta for the ultimate Icelandic men’s fashion experience.”
