Friday, July 28, 2017

Saturday, July 29: Zuri Kenya Pop-Up 12 - 2


Join us in welcoming Sandra Zhao, 1/2 of the Zuri Kenya team, as she flies by Momo on a brief trip to the Northwest. The concept behind Zuri is #justonedress — for work, for play, for travel, for life. With 3/4-sleeves, a button-front, and an easy swing style that hits at about the knee, The Dress can be worn as said dress, a light jacket, or a tunic. But what truly gives it the one-two punch is the fabric: mid-weight cotton in delightful colors and patterns designed and printed in Kenya.


Backstory: cute customer and tastemaker Meredith came to Momo raving about a dress she recently read about in the NY Times (our shoppers are readers)! My curiosity piqued, I followed through, contacted Zuri and ordered a few dresses. A few days later, Sandra reached out, said she was coming to the Northwest for a wedding, and asked if we would like to host a last-minute trunk show. Heck yeah!

See you soon for the fast fun!




Tuesday, July 18, 2017

Small-batch Biblelots

The Pacific Northwest is big on micro-brew production of beer, wine and spirits. Why? Closer quality control, easier experimentation, more exclusive end product. At Momo, we believe the same can be said for small-batch jewelry. Working with indie designers allows us to introduce you to a taste of different talents, for example:

NINA RAIZEL

One of the rare folk who is native to Seattle, Nina has been a maker for as long as she can remember. After earning a BFA in Jewelry and Metalsmithing at the Rhode Island School of Design, she returned to the area, honing her skills through production for local jewelers while working on her designs in her spare time. Today, she is on her own, turning out more ambitious pieces than ever. With a strong focus on sustainability, conscious design and meticulous craftsmanship, Nina’s work is both stunning and something you can feel good about wearing. We are particularly in love with the stones in our capsule collection of Nina rings showing at Momo right now. 

“The Square” labradorite

“Triple Stone” labradorite & moonstone

“Grid Ring” with five different gemstones
LOYALSMITH
Amy Bush has been crafting jewelry of many kinds for 15 years. At times, she strayed from the path, detouring in 2007 to own and run the adorable JayWalk in Madrona, then taking a hiatus for the birth of her son, Gus. Now, she’s getting back into the swing of things and Momo is excited to be Amy’s first wholesale account! The concept behind her latest line, Loyalsmith, is to combine dual-tone metals to create lightweight, everyday adornments that ‘play well’ with all your other jewelry. You can find a variety of her well-crafted earrings at the shop, including these innovative designs.

”Exclamation” in large or small
”Corkscrews” in large or small
Fun, not formal “Black Ties!”

COMPASS ROSE DESIGN
Bay Area wife and husband team, Creek and Johnny Van Houten, share a love of antiques ranging from trains to potato buckets, marbles and buttons. While attending graduate school in Holland, Creek became fascinated by antique buttons. She began collecting the fashionable fasteners and thus was born Compass Rose Design. Our assortment at Momo features sterling silver pendants, cast from molds made from some of these buttons, ranging from sweetly whimsical to classic nautical themes.

“Lovebirds” - SOLD!

”Honey Bee”

”Sun Medallion”

VERSO
Shoreline-based designer Melanie Brauner is the virtuoso behind Verso. Simply put, her unique jewelry is made from sterling silver forms cast in handmade paper. But the process is more complex: she begins by creating a wire armature that is then dipped in a pulp of water and abaca fiber. This material dries, shrinks and adheres to the metal. Once dried, the process is repeated until a desired thickness is reached, at which point the pieces are all individually hand dyed in subtle shades. The labor-intensive operation results in lightweight, yet surprisingly durable creations inspired by nature: the coil of a fern, a dangling seed, the curve of a leaf. Whatever her artist’s eye envisions.

“Pistil”

MOO-YOUNG
More Seattle for the win! Francine Moo-Young is perhaps best known for her hand-painted suede kimonos, but this leather-obsessed designer is also a jeweler. One of her latest experiments is with supple leather cord and pearls in lustrous tones of silver, bronze and rose gold. These new creations come in a variety of sizes and styles, and many are versatile, with the ability to be worn in multiple ways. Take for example the dramatic “Abacus” (the baroque pearls slide up and down the lace) which can be worn long, looped twice around the neck, or encircling a wrist. Or the dainty “Rock Daisy” necklace strung with mini pearls — same utility, but a whole different appeal. Momo is among the first to tout this new line; we are especially attracted because they remind us of the laid-back luxury of Hawaii.

“Plume Abacus” necklace

“Rock Daisy” necklace

“Ghost Flower” bracelet 

Friday, July 14, 2017

Celebrate Summer, Asian Style!

The events of the International District promise fun in the sun. With so much going on, you could be here every weekend and still come back for more. See you at Momo!

Discover the Delights of Dragon Fest
Saturday, July 15 from 12-8
Sunday, July 16 from 12-6
International District

King Street comes alive with cultural activities, family fun, food and festivities. Take a day trip to foreign destinations through experiencing martial arts demonstrations. lion dances, the Chinese Girls Drill Team, and traditional Korean drumming while munching Japanese sweets, Filipino noodles,  Chinese dumplings and Hawaiian shave ice. Mmmm, when you need a break, stroll to Momo and say hello! More info on Dragon Fest.

Dance Away the Evening at Bon Odori Festival
Saturday, July 15 from 4-10
Sunday, July 16 from 3-8
Seattle Buddhist Temple at 1427 South Main Street

The Japanese celebration of honoring the dead is alive and well at Bon Odori, just a few blocks east of Dragon Fest. Don your kimono and line up with the young, old, gay and happy to perform age-old dances. You’ll also find Japanese snacks, craft booths, and a beer garden for the over 21-set. Details at Seattle Betsuin

Shop Summer AAPI Arts & Crafts Fair
Thursday, July 20 from 6-9
Hing Hay Co-works at 409 B Maynard Avenue South

Enlightened self-interest! Support the API community while you browse a unique array of goods created by hand. Jewelry, stationery, clothing, and yes, cupcakes! are among the offerings. Held within the cool offices of the CID’s best-kept secret: Hing Hay Co-works. More info at Hing Hay Co-Works.

Be Jammin’ at The Wing Luke JamFest
Thursday, July 20 from 5:30- 9
Around the CID

It starts at The Wing, then follow the fun around the ID. Discover live music and performances — like our favorite, Shanghai Pearl —  tucked away in interesting nooks and crannies, a great way to spend a summer’s eve into night. More info at The Wing

Save the Date: Hai! Japantown
Saturday, August 26 from 2-10
Jackson Street, Hing Hay Park and Nagomi Teahouse

Nihonmachi is coming into its own with a summer celebration highlighting the joys of Japantown. Connect the cultural dots between Nihonmach Alley, Cultural Heritage Walks, Mahouto Market and Hing Hay performances and Movies in the Park. More info to come, check out FB: Japantown Seattle. 

Mark Your Calendar: Kimono Mania
Saturday, August 26 from 3:30-5
Momo in Japantown

 

 

 

As our part of Hai! Japantown, Momo has invited two local lovelies to share their wears: Rian from Tuesday Scarves and Jancy from Saltaire Life. Come try us on.

 

 

But wait, there’s more ... Thursday Happy Hour Food Walks, Asian-American films in the park ... too much to include here. So, check it out yourself on our neighborhood Facebook page: I Heart ID. Get set for a hot summer of frolic — and remember who loves you! xo Momo