Shopping Made Easy in Japantown

Momo girl/jewelry maker Angela Muhlnickel shows off a pretty handmade bag made from vintage kimono fabric PHOTO CREDIT: Momo

For the quirky and artistic on your holiday gift list, check out Momo in the Japantown corner of Chinatown-International District. Momo owner—and former Seattle magazine shopping writer—Lei Ann Shiramizu, purveys funky Asian-European apparel and accessories with potential finds including handmade bags from Japanese brand Maruka, constructed from vintage kimono fabric wrapped around a metal frame and embellished with stones and sequins ($130-$150) and Tribal Delights jewelry, which organically mixes metals, leather, salvaged materials, and fish vertebrae (yes, fish vertebrae), to delightful effect ($88-$250).

And, for the man on your list, consider the dopp kits from AU ($60). These ultra-durable little bags are made of waxed cotton and sized perfectly for the Billy Jealousy manly travel-size products ($25) also available at Momo, including “Hydroplane” shave cream and “Ocean Front” body wash.

Added bonus: All day Saturday and Sunday, December 15-16, Momo shoppers will receive 2-hour parking vouchers with $50 purchases. Park in the Merchants lot at 5th Ave S. and South Main St or the Bank of America lot at 6th Ave S. and South Jackson St.