Lei Ann and Tom, owners of Momo Seattle
Momo Seattle was the “it” stop during Seattle’s International District Art Walk on Saturday. In addition to the unique merchandise continuously available, Becky Sullivan and Laura Castellanos were the featured designer and artist, respectively. The atmosphere was inviting, warm and fashionable.
Snugly centered on the northern corner of Jackson and 6th, Momo is a delightful surprise. Inside you will find beautifully crafted clothing, accessories and home décor from local as well as international artists and designers. For the Art Walk the owners Lei Ann Shiramizu and her husband Tom offered sangria and hors d’oeuvres while playing delightful and relaxing music. The store was a buzz with admiration for the art inside drawing a decent crowd through out the 5pm-8pm Art Walk.
Paintings from Lala Land by Laura Castellanos
As the showcased artist, Laura Castellanos’ playful Lala Land exhibit graced the shelves, while her Bummer Bunny character was proudly worn on black t-shirts by Momo’s staff. The Lala Land collection presents itself in a raw and whimsical manner, painted on cardboard as if the material itself produced the art. And indeed, it is this aspect of the paintings that gives each one its own special personality. Each painting was displayed side by side as if telling a story.
When asked about this, Laura explained that it was the Momo customers who decided the order of the paintings. The day before the Art Walk, customers who came in were asked to pick out their favorite painting. It started with a little boy and over the course of the day each painting found it’s home on the shelf. It was by this method that the world of Lala Land came alive in the eyes of the Art Walk participants, creating an exciting story to each viewer without ever verbalizing a word.
Becky Sullivan (left) with Bee from Bee's Fashion Buzz standing in front of Sullivan's fashion collection.
A modern twist on historical clothing was creating a different story in the Becky Sullivan’s fashion collection which earlier this year won “Most Wearable Collection” for Seattle Magazine. The detail and exceptional construction of this collection were all the more apparent in this physical and personable setting. Posted on the window just outside the door to Momo was the yet to be publish Seattle Magazine article about the collection and designer. To the surprise of Becky, Lei Ann was able to obtain a copy before the magazine hit the stand. As the night began two of her pieces had already sold. Becky was definitely in good spirits during the event and her clothing embodied her cheerful and classy personality.
Purses available at Momo
Momo is the type of store that instantly becomes a favorite. The selection of merchandise at Momo is well organized with special detail given to what is included and what is not. Nothing in the store feels out of place. As you walk through the store, everything progresses smoothly into the next.
Japanese split-toe socks and crocheted finger-loop arm warmers can be found in a variety of colors. Lotions, soaps, lip balms and sake infused scents decorate antiqued tables and shelves. Handmade jewelry, purses, scarves and wallets are just some of the many accessories you will find inside.
Front stationary and book display at Momo
On one wall, a collection of witty cards and vintage inspired greeting cards are displayed. They even include two that are replicas of vintage Chinese cigarette ads, which currently hang on the walls at Bee’s Fashion Buzz. But the most exciting part is, of course, the clothing. Offering both men’s and women’s garments, Momo has continuous supply of fashionably unique designers. Rain jackets with tiny details, dresses with layers that keep surprising you, skirts in amazing, just AMAZING shapes and colors – my favorites is a gray plaid skirt with ruching and ruffles made by Cop Copine – are just some of the women’s clothing available.
Lala Land Collection and clothing offered at Momo's. Including the most awesome skirt ever! (right)
Momo’s is not only a place to stop at while in the International District; it’s the reason to go there. Well for the fashionably minded, that is.
Momo is located at 600 S. Jackson Street Seattle, WA 98104. To learn more about Momo visit momoseattle.com.
