The Secret Side of Angela M.

 Angela at home in her studio, well equipped for the job

You may have met Angela at the shop as she helped you pick out the perfect item, and then chirpily wrapped it up. But you might not know that the pretty pink-haired Momo Girl (now a five-year veteran!) is our resident jeweler and hidden talent behind two of our favorite lines: Flora and Fawn and Little Teal.
 
Angela (or A1 as we like to call her) began her foray into jewelry making in 2006. Upon completing a metalsmith class at a local college, she invested in a kiln and launched Flora and Fawn, setting out to create a collection of happy-making, brightly colored enamel adornments. She appreciated the technical and methodical process by which she could consistently produce her fun, affordable earrings and necklaces.

 

The beginnings of a cheery enamel accessory

The magic kiln that heats up to 2,500 degrees

A finished Flora and Fawn necklace

In 2016, adversity struck with the unexpected loss of her sister. Her world shaken, for months she sat numb at her workbench. One day while poking around her studio, she rediscovered a cache of natural stones, many of which she collected as a child in her Southern Oregon home. Picking through the random assortment of gems sparked a long-smothered ember. “It felt like Christmas!” she recalls, and so inspired, she created Little Teal.

A teal is a small, freshwater duck

Slowly, her passion rekindled as she experimented with the smooth, soothing stones. At first, she applied the same prescribed planning as she used with enameling. But things never worked out as intended, “The universe conspired against me,” Angela says. Instead, the individual stones dictated design, often leading to happy accidents. “If I let go of control, it makes sense … and ultimately, I’m more pleased with the results.”

Ring or necklace? The stone sets the tone

Each piece is meticulously hand made, start to finish

She’s careful not to fracture the stone

Entirely different than Flora and Fawn, Little Teal is all about elegant, one-of-a-kind pieces, as no two stones are alike and designs are difficult to replicate. Angela loves the distinctive personalities of individual stones and lusts after obscure varieties like Peanut Obsidian and Victoria Stone. Her selections are all natural, no lab grown varieties for this rock hound.

So many unpredictable shapes, colors and sizes, oh my!

Angela’s favorite finds are from a lapidary near where she grew up. For years she drove by the rustic shop situated on the highway linking the Redwoods and Oregon Coast, assuming it to be a tourist trap. While home for her sister’s memorial, she stopped in to check it out only to confirm that it was indeed stocked with crystals, beads and fossils for the hobbyist, and layered with a fine film of rock dust.

But then the owner asked her what she was looking for, ushered her to the back room, and presented her with velvet-lined trays of beautiful, hand-cut-and-polished stones. “It was like finding a dragon’s hoard of gems!” smiles Angela. She learned that Marc and his wife, Gabby often come upon possibilities while hiking through the woods, and many of their offerings are found only in their area. Their store has since shuttered, and the couple now only sell online to avid fans that snatch up the rock rarities as quickly as they’re listed. 

An Oregon river: possible source of A1’s hydrogrossular garnets

Although her new love is found in nature, Angela once again enjoys the systematic task of enameling, balanced with the spontaneity of stone setting. Luckily, both Flora and Fawn and Little Teal are available at Momo, with A1 on hand to enlighten us as to their individual delights. 

“I’m sure that I would not be doing the work that I’m doing today if something catastrophic had not happened,” she says thoughtfully “It was the only thing that made me feel alive.” Through creating beauty, Angela found peace and joy. Thankfully, she shares her wisdom with Momo.

Oh Canada!

Recent political tensions have many of us musing about crossing the border. At Momo, we’re one step ahead as we’ve made our way to Canada to seek style that Seattle has yet to experience. For Fall 2016, we are proud to present small batch clothing from our northern neighbors of Montreal.

What’s interesting about many of the garments from the City of Saints is the blend of Parisian influence with North American sensibility. To start, Body Bag from French-Canadian clothier, Jude Desjardins. Yes, odd name, and everything we love in quality clothing: unique design, delicious fabric, well-made construction, lasting and versatile style. And in the dresses — pockets!

Our second delightful capsule collection comes from emerging designer, Marigold by Marilyne Baril. This is her first season selling to shops, and we are so happy to have her fresh shapes and graphic patterns in our boutique. It reminds us of early Cop-copine.

Dots nice!

We know what you’re thinking ... “What? White for fall?” We say, goes with black! Just throw a big chunky sweater over it, pull on your knee boots and you’re on your way.

So, this is just a taste of what’s new for autumn. Come give us a visit and find out what else we’ve got in store for you. We’d love to see you!

Join Us for a Sip of Love

His ‘n’ Hers Happy Hour Wednesday, February 10, 4:30 - 7:00 Momo in Japantown  We’re pre-functioning for Valentine’s Day with an outpouring of love — and wine. Persuade your partner (or a thirsty pal) and pop in to Momo for a mid-week break and mini show of local talent. You’ll meet Grace Matsumoto, self-proclaimed jewelry geek of Tiny Fat Bird, and natty man Jay Jones, innovator of Stingy Styles Bow Ties. And just maybe, you’ll find a thoughtful gift to mark the day, hooray! We’re always willing to wrap. The ‘His’: Jay Jones is the mastermind behind ingenious, easy-wear, one-size-fits-most Stingy Styles Bow Ties. He’ll demonstrate how to knot a dandy bow in the blink of an eye, smiling all the while. A personal stylist, he can also help you whip your wardrobe into shape. The ‘Hers’: Grace Matsumoto saws, hammers and solders tiny pieces of silver, brass and sometimes gold, into fanciful jewelry. Take a few moments to chat and you’ll know that she loves her art and is always exploring new ideas.

Happy, Helpful Holiday

What does Momo offer that you can’t find online? Well, let’s start with the stellar service of Angela, Lexi, Leland and Osean.

Add to that our always unique, up-cycled complimentary wrapping, shared here by our lovely customer Anne Marie.

Top it off with special in-person shopping hours:

Friday + Saturday, December 18 + 19: 11:00 - 7:00

Sunday, December 20: 11:00 - 6:00

Monday - Wednesday, December 21 - 23: 11:00 - 7:00

Thursday, December 24: 11:00 - 5:00

And there you have it! Happy holidays to you. Looking forward to making your season bright. 

xo The Momo Team

Chemical Wedding: A Marriage of Minds

If you’ve ever seen Chemical Wedding bags, you’ll recognize them forever. Momo has long been proud to be a purveyor of these extraordinarily distinctive creations.

Husband-and-wife team Tracy and Jon Haaland use only European and domestic leathers that have been meticulously hand-selected for both beauty and durability. In addition to these luxe leathers, found objects are often up-cycled and incorporated into their handbags — think motorcycle jackets and even deconstructed vintage brogues.

Our stunning collection.

Jon and Tracy hand-cut, assemble and stitch each and every piece that leaves their Seattle studio, making every bag a completely unique, collaborative work of art.

We think you would be hard-pressed to find a purse that is the equal of Chemical Wedding. The painstakingly precise craftsmanship, attention to detail and functionality alone would make them difficult to beat. Add to that the their elegantly edgy looks and you’ve got a perfect 10.

Gorgeous, textural leathers pair well with industrial-looking hardware.

Amazingly, this is hand-stitched.
Also, we are smitten with this faintly pearlescent plum leather. 

Momo has just received a beautifully curated collection. Come see these unforgettable handbags for yourself. We dare you not to fall in love with this marriage of form and function.

Beyond Summer

Ah, linen. Woven into its flaxen fibers is the memory of sun-washed days, cool breezes and life without a wrinkle. Come summer’s end, many of us say goodbye to our linen garments, folding them away until spring springs again.

But there’s so much more to this ancient fabric that makes it wearable year ’round. In milder climates, such as Seattle, fashionable sorts look to linen for casual ease, durability and to add elegant and interesting texture to our layers of clothing. With its smooth, silken quality, linen resists stains, and is easy to clean. Anti-static and quick to warm up, it’s also ideal for days when the weather turns cold and dry. Plus, production of linen is sustainable, making it popular in this eco-chic Pacific Northwest.

A recent convert to living in linen, Momo Mama Lei Ann is tireless in her pursuit of unique, beautifully-crafted examples. And her treasure hunting has paid off in Lithuanian designer Blue Naive’s handmade-to-order simple-yet-flattering shift styles, stitched up in sumptuous linen. We’re especially tickled with the ever-practical deep front pockets featured on both of these new arrivals.

Luxurious linen “Little Summer Dress” direct from Lithuania.

“Deep Summer” linen half-sleeved shift. 

Come down and try one of these sweet frocks on — we’re sure that you will adore them as we do. And, we’ll share tips on how to utilize layering to wear them into fall and beyond ... making sure it is a long and happy love affair.

Sterling Silver Seals of Approval

What do you get when a passion for antique wax seals collides with a love of metalsmithing? History and symbolism expressed in beautifully crafted jewelry. We are delighted to introduce brand-new-for-Momo jewelry: Plum & Posey.

After spending a decade exploring Europe and its plentiful street markets, fairs and antique shops, Canadian Adrinna Hardy developed an abiding appreciation for Georgian and Victorian era wax seals. She also found herself with a huge collection of them — over a thousand, in fact. In a brilliant move, Adrinna melded her fervor for stamps with her skills as a silversmith and birthed her distinctive jewelry.

Per Ardua Ad Alta: “Through Difficulties to the Heights.”

Each piece “celebrates the exceptional craftsmanship of the past and the deep and complex meanings of the seals,” says the artist of her creations, “while incorporating themes such as hope, courage, strength and inspiration.”

As for us, we love the intimate expressions, each unique in shape and suitable for a man or woman. Cast in pure silver and suspended from an antiqued sterling rolo chain, these intricate pendants are a lovely way to express a personal inner theme — yours or a lucky recipient’s!

Made from a 19th century French wax seal,
the peacock symbolizes beauty, knowledge and power. 

Vous En Avez la Clef: “You Have the Key.”

Simply Sweet : Summer Skirts

Just in time for a summer that’s predicted to be warmer than usual: cool, feminine, easy-to-wear skirts from Nice Rice. The cotton flirt skirts are the joint effort of couple Son and Devon and are hand-made locally (just down the road in Kent)!

We love their attention to detail and durable construction. We really really love the sweet Asian-inspired fabrics. But we really really really love how easy these skirts are — pair one with a tank, a camisole, a loose tee – you truly can’t go wrong. A wide elastic waistband makes them super comfy, as well as flattering and endlessly versatile. 

Mix and match patterns.

Add a Metalicus top for a loose, casual look. 

A basic cami will let you dress your skirt up or down. 

Momo has a wide array of patterns and color-ways to choose from!

And, our Nice Rice skirts have a Nice PRice, too ($45) ... which is yet another reason why they’re flying out Momo’s door! Snatch one up now and get set for balmy weather with a skirt you’ll find yourself reaching for more than any other.