Repurposed with a Purpose

“Repurposing” and “up-cycling” are becoming an ever-increasing theme in many independent designers’ work these days. A rising concern for reducing waste, taking a step back from being a throw-away society and an appreciation for the beauty an object acquires over time — all of these are merging to create a new approach to design.

One of our favorite re-purposers is Chemical Wedding. Jon and Tracy use a combination of new and recycled leathers, factory seconds and post-industrial scrap to construct handbags that are gorgeous, unique, durable and functional. Momo-girl Angela has the “Devon” cross-body bag and she can say, with zero hesitation, that is the most intelligently designed purse she has ever owned.

New to Momo is designer Katherine Ragghianti from Poulsbo. Katherine’s bags are constructed from up-cycled Japanese fabrics that started out life as kimonos, yukatas and obis, with some hand-painted silks and lamb suede added for good measure. We love the juxtaposition of traditional textiles with more contemporary styles.

Both the Katherine and Chemical Wedding messenger bag have adjustable straps.

Here are two takes on the classic messenger bag. in the left is a Katherine bag made of kimono, obi and yukata fabric, with a lamb suede back. On the right is “Reiko” by Chemical Wedding. Both have adjustable straps and can be worn as a shoulder bag or cross-body bag.

Unique and wonderfully diverse versions of the classic shoulder bag. 

The “Dian” shoulder bag features inset diamonds of slate blue and grey leather and a line of eye-catching whipstitching. Katherine’s hand-painted silk take on the same style is lined with the sweetest red and white polka-dot fabric.

Tiny and Tote! The wee little Chemical Wedding “Kiko” has a long strap for cross-body versatility with the petite build and weight of a wallet. Katherine’s roomy tote offers lots of space to store your essentials without a lot of weight. Delicate yukata fabric gives this highly practical tote an elegant look.

Wallet-purse and spacious tote — both ends of the spectrum!

Bench Warmers

New at Momo: Bench jackets for men and women!

Bench Clothing remains at the forefront of fashion-meets-function street wear. The reasonably-priced brand hails from Britain where they certainly know how to face the dreary days with style. At Momo, we’ve just received a batch of cozy, washable jackets that will help you navigate the winter-to-spring transition with ease.

For Women: The Northwood Zip Thru jacket features kitten-soft faux fur lining and handy thumb-holes.

The Northwood Zip Thru

The Tigereyed moto-jacket is water-resistant and has an asymmetric zipper and removable drawstring hood.

The Tigereyed Jacket

For the Gents: The Dymano jacket features a plethora of cargo pockets to house your goods.

The Dynamo Jacket

... And the Enhance Jacket is a great lightweight option, with a hood that conveniently zips into the collar.

The Enhance Jacket

Treats for Your Sweet

Happy Valentine’s Day!
Here are a few ideas, if you find you’re in need of inspiration.

Chocolate ‘sticks’ by local chocolatier Lilli-Pill. Fair Trade dark chocolate in toasted sesame and rosemary salt flavors.

Sweet enameled teapot and teacup+saucer set from Japan, plus local Jaipur chai tea.

The ever-popular Vivi button scarf can be worn in half a dozen ways. Momo has a rainbow of colors to choose from.

Sparkling druzy quartz earrings by Leslie Francesca.

Affordable punches of color! Refillable retro pens and zippered leather pouches.

Origami Fortune Hearts! Made by Momo Girl Lexi, these adorable paper hearts
have a sweet fortune inside and are complimentary with your Valentine’s Day gift. 

“Less Is Not Always More”

This is one of the philosophies of Pearlesque designer/local artist Margaret Chodos-Irvine, whose lingerie and layering pieces are both classic and sultry. Intended to be seen on the streets, the diaphanous separates bridge the literal gap, say when a top needs sleeves or a skirt is too scant.

Pearlesque’s sheer pantaloons have a distinctly Victorian feel, while the “Shnickers” tap pants are evocative of the pin-up girl era. The off-the-shoulder top offers lightweight coverage with the added touch of elegant and enticing lace around the neckline.

Sheer black pantaloons are reminiscent of the Victorian era. 

"Schnickers" tap pants are available in a rose print and sheer black mesh.

Sweet off-the-shoulder top is arm coverage at its best. 

Momo is also stocked with the sheer rose-print Tent Dress. Sweetly feminine as an outer layer (we like it paired with a long cami and leggings) or as a base layer (perhaps topped with a simple black frock)?

Sheer Tent Dress.

Already regarded as an illustrator, this is Margaret’s first foray into designing clothing for someone other than herself. She’s been sewing since the age of 11 (both her grandfathers worked in the garment trade) when she couldn’t find exactly what she was looking for in the retail world. After receiving constant compliments on her work, she decided it was time to take the leap. We at Momo are so glad that she did! We’re very excited to be representing her line of subtly seductive apparel.

 

Wouldn’t a wee bit of Pearlesque be a lovely Valentine’s surprise for someone you know?