Food & Drink

5 Hot New Shops in the Chinatown-International District

An array of new and classic shops specializing in global goods from the Far East to Scandinavia

By Kate Calamusa October 20, 2014

1114shopping

This article originally appeared in the November 2014 issue of Seattle magazine.

1. King Street Supply Co. (666 S King St.; 206.650.2367; plankandgrain.com) acts as the bricks-and-mortar showroom for owners Erick and Apryl Waldman’s thriving furniture brand, Plank & Grain. In addition to rustic tables crafted with old-growth Douglas fir reclaimed from warehouses and buildings (starting at $1,300), the shop, which opened last April, also offers the couple’s Lazerwood wood iPhone covers ($18–$35), plus intricate hardwood coasters ($30/set of 6) from the I.D.’s own Five Ply Design.

2. Airy, light and luxe, Rob Whitson’s 3-year-old Plus 45 Design (513 S Main St.; 206.971.4580; plus45design.com) celebrates the nuances of Northern European decor style, filled with mod Iittala glassware ($11–$20, shown), and boho-cool gemstone jewelry from Oakland designer Audrey Daniels ($30–$250).

3. A former variety store turned artisan gallery, Kobo at Higo (604 S Jackson St.; 206.381.3000; koboseattle.com) has showcased both international and national designers alongside quirky imported knickknacks since 2004. This month, find intricate ornaments for the holidays, plus handmade cards with vintage kimono fabric ($8 each, shown) and the shop’s own silk-screen printed T-shirts ($25).

4. Next door, Lei Ann Shiramizu’s joyful little 7-year-old Momo (600 S Jackson St.; 206.329.4736; momoseattle.blogspot.com) is filled with omiyage (Japanese for “souvenirs”) and perfectly presented gifts, ranging from “Scandinasian” journals from Yurio Seki with saddle-stitched bindings and textured covers ($9) to locally made Little Shirley vases ($14–$26, shown). (Be sure to check out local artist Roger Shimomura’s Hello Kitty–inspired painting on display this month, too.)

5. A riot of color and pattern, Rian Robison’s 3-year-old Tuesday Scarves (608 S Maynard Ave. S; tuesdayshop.com) houses the designer’s trademark jersey-print infinity scarves ($38) and wrap headbands ($20)—a surefire hit with girlfriends and grandmothers alike.


Clockwise from left: Tuesday Scarves, Plus 45 Design, Kobo at Higo, Momo

 

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