Always On The Lookout

This weekend I was in sunny Philadelphia to celebrate 25 years with friends. We kicked off the first night at Fergies, a bar in center city, for a free show featuring Philadelphia's own, Chang Chang, and Faux Slang. Chang Chang, is a talented emcee on the rise. Since introducing us to his music project a few months ago he has played numerous shows in Philly, SXSW, and stays on his grind by going to NYC to participate in open mics whenever he gets a chance. As a friend I can honestly say that I am so proud of homeboy! Expect big things from him.


"FAUX SLANG is three piece outfit that has been active in the Philadelphia area since late 2006. Their beer-battered sound blends post-punk with space-rock while drawing a heavy influence from 60's pop." (via Myspace) The band consists of Rick Hass on lead vocals and keyboards, Ian Nauroth on guitar and backup vocals, and Adam Herndon on drums. Definitely a fun band to watch, their songs are catchy, and they put a lot of energy into their performance. Just give me indie rock!


I can't talk about a trip to the city without reppin' my crew from Omoi. Much love to Liz, Grace, Remi, and Bogdan. I've had my eye on this jacket from Hellz Bellz Renegades of Funk collection:

The overlapping collar is removable and it also unfolds into a fierce hood. So versatile, love it. The best part, like most things, is on the inside.

There is dynamite and underneath it reads: Hipster Killer. Come correct ladies, cop this jacket and many other goodies at Omoi today! Lots of new Shinzi Katoh items as well!

In other shop news, the boys from Fresh Melt Water have done it again. They opened their first retail outlet in the Northern Liberties section of Philadelphia. Affectionately dubbed, No Libs, like 90% of everything in Philly, is an up and coming area filled with an interesting range of shops, restaurants, bars, and most recently, a beautiful Piazza. The Piazza is located in the center of the art deco condos around 2nd and Poplar. New independent stores are being added and it looks promising. I mean if the Jumbotron on the wall facing all of the Piazza doesn't do it for you, then stick to Rittenhouse. (Boring) Here is Andrew, Brooks, and Joey, reppin' their set at the new shop. Keep up with them at The Drip for more information on merchandise, releases, events, etc.

Philadelphia is full of crafty and interesting people. On Sunday, my lovely friend Amanda sent me a text to come out to the Independent Craft Fair that she was participating in with fellow artist, Kat Gun. I had a blast with them. The free PBR offered with the $2 entry was certainly a score. Also notable, I ran into a former instructor I had at the Art Institute, Gretchen Diehl. Her jewelry was so incredible that before I could get 20ft into the venue my friend, Lauren, and I were buying necklaces from her Birdqueen collection. I got this one:

Simply irresistible and affordable! Shop her collection!

All in all a fantastic weekend, rooftops, parties, dance offs, the best clams ever at North Third, best dive ever, Bob and Barbara's, and the best friends. I think I gave you enough links, no? Ah perhaps this one, download Chang Chang's full ep, "While You Were Out" right here, for FREE!
Peace y'all. As always, Have Fun.

Speaking of having fun, I am going to re host this video of Gabriella and Liz from M.I.S.S showin' us what they got on the dance floor in honor of International Dance Day. Now, I have never heard of it, but I'm taking their word because it is too funny and I love it. Get yer dance on!

Fresh In The Street

The Stussy and Hellz Bellz "Ladies First" collection is slated to hit Stussy stores and fine streetwear retailers Saturday, March 7th. Expect to see it at Philadelphia's premier Stussy shop on Walnut street. The collab will include tees, tops, and accessories. For more Hellz Bellz items and accessories check out the fam at, Omoi, around the corner from Ubiq at 1608 Pine street. My girl, Liz, has been stockin' Hellz for awhile now and always has the hottest merchandise.


Also at the Ubiq store, this Friday night

Check it y'all! My girl, Gillian will be in the house with Ease DaMan and Greg from Mishka. Yo, wanna hear Ease rap? You know you do...hysteric.

Miskha Hallelujah Spring 09 Lookbook
I need to get my hands on the Keep Watch leggings! Alright. Spring is comin! Let's get it!

Never Have I Ever

Had an obsession with a blind box series. Drink.

I've fallen victim! Honestly. Frank Kozik's latest collaboration with Kid Robot has me fixin' to track down every single 1.5-inch mini figure in the standard limited third series. There are 15 designs total and so far I have nine! I was initially drawn to the bubble gum popping labbit, and that one took me at least 25 open boxes to get. I had to work out a two for one deal with a girl in OMOI, because, yes, I have doubles, and boy was that a close one! I would take a photo of the little guys I have but pretty much everything of mine is in storage at the moment. BTW. '08 was all about living out of the suitcase. Maybe '09 will have me sitting in one place? Mehhhh. Not my speed.

Here's the glorious bubble poppin' labbit. ENJOY!

Smorkin' Labbits and other blind box's are available at OMOI.

Ummm, Posted by Jenessa.

Deuce Deuce!

OMOI TURNS TWO!
PARTY TIME, EXCELLENT! (Air guitar Wayne and Garth)

This year the celebration with commence with a Gothic Lolita fashion show, from our own, Toni Turner. She's responsible for all of the headbands and hair clips on the main table. This holiday we took inspiration from Yoyogi Park and the Harajuku neighborhood were girls basically just sit pretty and pose for photographs. Ambitious in execution yet delicate and doll-like. A perfect combination for killin' it! Omoi is now carrying Kera magazine! Much more punk, goth, loli than the mags already in stock. Extreme hairstyles, makeup, nails, shoes! A kaleidoscope of fashion!


There will also be light refreshments and 20% off your entire purchase! Perfect time to treat yourself to that Nooka watch you've been eyeing or a pair of handcrafted earrings straight from Japan. There are plenty of items for both men and women, even though Omoi tends to get reputation of being a super girl store. Despite the rep, all of the girls in the store definitely have a tomboy streak in them and therefore stock some BOSS merchandise.

Check the Barbary Coast series by SuperFishal for Upper Playground. Jeremy Fish put together a collection inspired by the hoodlums, harlots and heroes of the Bay Area. It features a sturdy metal cigarette case, a brushed gold lighter, sketchbook, leather belt with brass buckle, and a soft felt fedora. Recently Fish and the illustrious Miss Van co headlined a show at the Fifty24SF Gallery in the Lower Haight section of San Fransisco. Check out pictures from the jam packed show, HERE.

Another dope item for the gift giving folk, Liz calls these, "professional shot ware." HEARD!

So far the bear seems to be the most popular. Personally, I think the rhino needs to come home with me. They retail for $28, and are basically indestructible.

Plenty of rad items. The only way you will know is if ya come in and let us show you around!

A short message from Miss Liz:

Thank you, customers and friends, for a great time! We've learned so much, jammed tons of stuff into a tiny space, featured talented local artists, fought crime, been featured in magazines, stocked ultra-rare collector items without even knowing it (remember the Alex&Chloe Coco Chanel necklace collection and Le Magnifique's "Le Chat" tee?), and best of all - met tons of new people along the way.

DETAILS
Who- OMOI! Hosted by Liz and crew
What- Birthday Party and Fashion Show
When- Thursday December 11th 5-9pm
Where- 1608 Pine Street, Philadelphia, PA

Also, don't forget to keep yourself updated by checking out the BLOG. Add Omoi on Myspace!
Remember when?

VIMBY - Omoi

Quick Fire

-Upper Playground is opening up shop soon in New York. Next door to the Giant Robot gallery which is on E. 9th street between 1st Ave. & Ave. A, in the East Village. yessss

-Lazarides is putting together a group show for two weeks in Manhattan. The cast looks pretty dope.


-Alex Pardee's new book "Awful/Homesick" is available for sale online at zerofriends.com. We will also have it soon at Omoi.


-J

Headlines

Goal of the week. Work on Rife. Until then, here are some dope articles from around my way. Enjoy!

A Hello Kitty and MAC collaboration in 09?! Embrace your inner cutie.

Alexander McQueen to design for Target's Go International line?! Now I'm going to breathe.

Marc Ecko talking about the flack that Ralph Lauren got for using the pony logo on the US Olympic uniforms. Marc Ecko is a Business, man.

That ol' pony logo. Ralph Lauren causes a freakout with uptight Americans.

New Fafi stationery at OMOI in Philadelphia!I love my job.

Word of the day!
gam-ine (gam-in)
noun
1. a neglected girl who is left to run about the streets.
2. a diminutive or very slender girl, esp. one who is pert, impudent, or playfully mischievous.
–adjective 3. of or like a gamine: a gamine personality; clothes for the gamine figure.
Use it in a sentence.

In the spirit of keeping this post as random as possible.

Wednesday night table tops.

Fashion Show.

Yo, it's Sunday, beautiful summertime weather. We're keeping it crisp and clean at the shop on our block. Fresh music, tees, and lots of treats in the store. We are brainstorming on some ideas for photoshoots for the new apparel we've got coming into Omoi. I think we are leaning toward creating some fantastical neon worlds mixed with dope hair and makeup. Keep checking back for updates at the online blog.

Have a Look, SEE

Alex Pardee's show.
SURU GALLERY

Da man is DOPE.
Zerofriends.com.
Check it.
My favorite men's shirt at Omoi right now is the Alex Pardee "Its business time" skull face with the multi color scribble fill in. Fire. A Pardee walrus face. Creepy but incredible.

We ran out of smalls, but I think I might buy it anyway in a medium. Baggy shirts seem to be coming in ladies so don't hesitate to but something a bit big and alter it to your style. Especially, if the graphic is on some dope tip.

Updating

Garden Party at the MoMa
Article and video update from M.I.A and Mos Def lookin dapper in that Undrcrwn jersey.
Confirmed: M.I.A Cancels European Tour- from New York Magazine. Looks like we cn expect new music soon! Check the video from the MoMa Sculpture Garden Party


Mos Def in Undrcrwn

Let's go to Paris.
After checking this out, you might want to jump on a flight and get over to Colette for Men's Market Week. I'll go, come on.
Colette: Almost Ready For Fall- from We Are The Market.

So New!
At Omoi

New apparel from WeSC, Tokidoki, Rojas, Hellz Bellz, and MORE! Also, tons of dope stuff. Come down and look.

Shorty, I'm a Boss.

Champagne Kisses and Cupcake Dreams

Hussle Hussle

There is a delicious interview with Lanie Alabanza, the designer of cult favorite, Hellz Bellz in Format Magazine. She offers up some good insight on the industry and shows mad love to her man. Love design duos!




Here is a little taste from the chat, check out the rest of it riight here


Format: To what do you attribute the lack of female designers in streetwear?
Lanie: It may not seem like it but female designers definitely have a presence in streetwear, that’s for sure. Just because they may not be in the forefront with their own line, doesn’t mean they aren’t there. As far as female brands in streetwear, the niche is still pretty small but it’s good to see that it’s progressing. I’ve been seeing a lot more women’s brands popping up as of lately, but whether or not they are actually designed by a female or have some guy behind the computer designing for them, that I don’t know. It would be nice to think that a female is behind them all and not just a face for a brand.

OMOI in between 16th and 17th on Pine stocks Hellz Bellz, more than just one or two hoodies, Deep Sleep. There is more to come for Holiday, Liz already has the order in! Stop in and check it out. OMOI is on our links, she's got a well developed site up with most of the merchandise available to purchase.