By Molly O’Neill
Omoi, Liz Sieber’s funky little lifestyle shop on Pine Street, is a Japanese-inspired oasis in downtown Philadelphia.
Liz, now 30, studied abroad in Osaka in high school and college and was inspired by the zakka stores she found there. Zakka, she says, is a Japanese word for lifestyle, and can refer to “anything that enhances your personal space, your life, or even your appearance” – or “any little simple thing that makes you smile in the course of the day.”
In that spirit, Omoi’s collection of housewares, knickknacks, books, jewelry and clothing is carefully curated for maximum interest and functionality. Though the über-cute Japanese influence is omnipresent, there are no throwaway tchotchkes here; Liz says, “I try to be very specific about what I buy so even the cute stuff has an element of sophistication.”
This aesthetic makes Omoi’s wares particularly good for gifting. A stackable three-tier picnic bento is perfect for springtime bike rides to Lemon Hill. A ceramic sake set hand-painted with panda faces will impress the savviest boss. A futuristic Nooka watch for your hip little brother, unique Tokyo Milk fragrances for your friends (Poe’s Tobacco, anyone?), Japanese stationery – every item at Omoi is legitimately awesome and want-worthy.
One of the best surprises at Omoi is the jewelry. Much of it comes from Brooklyn-based designer Ria Charisse, who designs under the name Swallow. Charisse, the daughter of a geologist, explores delicacy and decay in natural formations and materials. Her work ranges from vibrant gemstones to intertwined silver branch rings to rugged bronze bird skulls and elk’s head pendants.
Liz has also recently begun carrying Nicole Richie’s House of Harlow jewelry line, which hits the tribal trend with simple sophistication.
The clothing selection at Omoi is thoughtful and internationally-minded. 2K by Gingham, an artists collective that originated in Japan, sources designs from a diverse group of artists that Liz says “probably wouldn’t otherwise have t-shirt lines.” WeSC began as a Swedish skate-wear company, which now describes itself as “a street-fashion brand for intellectual slackers.” Supremebeing is a U.K.-based brand of athletic and casual wear.
As Liz has just celebrated Omoi’s fifth birthday, she’s beginning to ponder its future. “I want to really evaluate and reposition the store…it’s been growing and growing and now I can really see my position in the world and in Philadelphia.” Online sales are suddenly blossoming while the tiny storefront bursts at the seams. “I really want to work to make this store communicate why these things are special,” says Liz. “I think it’s gonna be a big process, almost like curating a museum.”
The metamorphosis will put a heavier emphasis on housewares, design items, accessories and gifts, creating space to work with local artists for exhibitions. Liz hopes that by making this change, “the store will give people what they want and the online shop can maybe really dive into the obscurities and weird stuff.”
It’s fitting that Liz’s time in Osaka inspired her store in Philadelphia. She compares the Tokyo/Osaka dichotomy to New York vs. Philadelphia: “Tokyo is great but…the pace of life is so fast that it’s overwhelming. [In] Osaka you can sort of sit back and get to know the neighborhoods, and get to have a favorite restaurant. It’s a little more chill.” This hyperlocal perspective makes us love the little zakka shop even more.
OMOI ZAKKA SHOP ⎮ OMOI ONLINE
1608 Pine Street ⎮ Philadelphia, PA
Photos courtesy of Dominique Nichole.
