Lo-fi Tokyo

Lo-fi Tokyo

From top to bottom: Asagao on Ichiban Dori, Shimokitazawa; Crossing at Shimokitazawa; Umbrella decoration in Harajuku; Post in Shimokita; My street at dusk; Umbrella collection out the front of our place; Colourful garage, Shimokita; Orange details in Akabane.

I've really been getting into Polarize lately. So no, these are not actual Polaroids - your observations are correct. But I do enjoy the instant satisfaction that comes from using my iPhone camera.

My penchant for snapping broken / collections of umbrellas will eventually manifest itself in zine form, which I'll be working on with my dear friend Erin who is snapping away over in California and Sydney respectively.


Enjoy the rest of your Autumn. Or Spring.

E.

Postcards from Japan

Postcards from Japan

This month Inside Out magazine are running a series on their blog about creative Australians who have an affinity with Japan. The delightful and multi-talented Lee Tran Lam asked if I would like to be involved, and to share some of my Japan and Tokyo favourites. How could I possibly refuse? There are an overwhelming amount of things I love about my new home, and you can find me harping on about them (once again, sorry!) over here.

Thanks LTL.

E.

Japatterns

Japatterns

Like every curious blogger has before me, I've started a tumblr. It's called Japatterns. Japan / patterns / you get me?

As a textile print designer my eyes are more or less fixated on anything patterned within sight. Which, in a city like Tokyo, means I'm on overload pretty much all the time. No, I swear I'm looking at you...no I'm not looking at the amazing wallpaper behind your head...

Hence this tumblr was born! I'm hoping it will become a really useful online resource for those as clearly besotted with Japanese patterns as I am.

And one more thing...

Courtesy of the pattern mecca that is Patternity, my stunning limited edition (I was 990/1000 - just made it!) screen-printed tights arrived today. I can't believe I'm trying them on considering how hot it is outside, but I'm hoping to encourage a bit of Autumn weather here.


E.

Hello. I Live In Japan Now.

Hello. I Live In Japan Now.

I'm back!

The last couple of weeks have been a bit of a blur. Stuffing my life into a suitcase, flying to Tokyo, starting my life again in Japan. Luckily the impact has been buffered a bit by the wonderful hospitality of my Tokyo-ite cousins Leon and Riya, who have spared so much of their time introducing me to their favourite little pieces of Japan life.

Above we have photos of the O-matsuri (festival) in local Azabu-juban, and a weekend spent at the beach in Shimoda, a few hours south of Tokyo. The festival mostly involved loads of delicious snacks including fish on sticks, frosty cucumbers on sticks, "tornado potato" (must be tried to be believed), and all kinds of grilled seafood. It's more of a novelty for the kids, who will be tempted nearly every two metres by something they can fish for, throw for, pull for or whack for in the hope of winning some brightly coloured, mostly useless toy prize.

The highlight of my Tokyo Introduction Week however was the last two days spent lolling on the beach in Shimoda, snorkelling, swimming, lounging, feasting and running from giant Inoshishi (wild boar).

Yep, it's all happening. And I just cannot wait to get my teeth stuck into Tokyo's design scene. Yokoso!

E.

A Message From Sales and Marketing

A Message From Sales and Marketing

It's that time of the year when I decide to move to Tokyo, give myself too little time to sort my life out and then have to do a crazy everything-must-go market stall to help fund the plane ticket. Come along!

This Saturday the 7th, myself and my lovely friends Kirsty and Rachel will be selling nearly all the clothing we own at the monthly Surry Hills markets. A grande pile of vintage and designer pieces, all the fabrics I've ever bought and never sewed with, awesome vintage dressmaking patterns, accessories, jewellery, shoes and anything else you can think of. Except menswear - sorry fellas, bring your girlfriends instead.

And just like when you buy a TV from Bing Lee, if you ask for a lower price we'll probably go lower. I'll even be selling the damn stall decorations! It's always a lovely cruisey day at the SH markets, the quality of clothing for sale is excellent and you can get yourself a delicious Okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake) lunch.

And for those of you who haven't yet scooped up a copy of My Tokyo, I'll be selling a whole lot of 'em! Hot damn!

So please come along and say hello, have a bit of a chat and perhaps pick up something pretty! If you're trying to find us, look out for the following clues:

See you there!

E.

Just a few little...

Just a few little...

Snaps from Tokyo, October 2009.

 
Visit? Soon.

E.