i went to tokyo coveting all kinds of things. one item on the list was hasami porcelain, and another was a set of kontex towels. and of course, anything and everything from fog linen work. i had already seen fog linen products in taiwan at eslite spectrum, but was excited to visit the flagship store in shimokitazawa. i also discovered a couple of other spots with beautiful textiles.
the fog linen work store is not too far from the shimokitazawa station.
their linens are designed in japan and made in lithuania.
some bright gingham , plaid, and chambray.
these trays are also pressed linen, interestingly.
some of the coasters and placemats we brought home from fog linen work.
i had also read about cocca, a textile shop in daikanyama. the first time i tried to go, it was closed (but that's how i discovered the amazing allegory home tools across the street). i returned another day and got a closer look at their unique and super cheery fabrics.
the exterior of cocca on the day it was closed.
a close-up of cocca's gingham patterns.
a view of the store, towards the back.
they also sell clothing, bags, and other goods made from their fabrics.
the walls are lined with bolts of fabric. a lot of these would make beautiful wallpaper!
on the day that cocca was closed, i wandered into a shop across the street. it looked cute but not spectacular...there was scaffolding up and a lot of random baskets.
but inside, they carried both hasami porcelain AND kontex towels! their prices weren't bad either.
the flax organics line of kontex towels.
some adorably packaged dish rags.
it's safe to say that i made most of my purchases in japan at these stores. i've been using the towels since getting home, and they are suuuper soft. (hhh keeps asking when he will be allowed to use them.) these shops are definitely worth a visit, and both shimokitazawa and daikanyama are fun neighborhoods to walk around. plus while you're in shimokitazawa, you can stop in j.s. pancake for these amazing snacks. i could eat some of those mochi pancakes right now.