Monday, May 05, 2008

Zakka Anyone?

Kawaii is so out now. I just found out the latest trend….well, perhaps not that latest, but it’s something new in the sense of fashion and style. Zakka! I’m not really sure what is zakka actually, but here’s the definition from Wikipedia.

Zakka (from the Japanese 'zak-ka'(雑貨)or 'many things') is a fashion and
design phenomenon that has spread from Japan throughout Asia. The term
refers to everything and anything that improves your home, life and outlook. It
is often based on household items from the West that are regarded as kitsch in
their countries of origin. But can also be japanese goods from mainly
fifties, sixties and seventies. In Japan there are also so called asian
zakka stores, that usually refers to Southeast Asia. The interest in Nordic
design or Scandinavian design, both contemporary and past, is also part of
this zakka movement. Zakka can also be contemporary handicraft.
Zakka has also been described as "the art of seeing the savvy in the ordinary and
mundane". The zakka boom could be recognized as merely another in a series of
consumer fads, but it also touches issues of self-expression and spirituality.
Cute, corny and kitschy is not enough. To qualify as a zakka, a product must be
attractive, sensitive, and laden with subtext.


But from what I understand, Zakka is something ordinary but yet outstanding and beautiful. Kawaii but not as loud and proud. Kawaii in a humble way. Sort of like low-profile beauty.

Pictures do the best definition, so here’s a few Zakka-ish item. Ordinary? But they are very cute in a Zakka way.

Zakka softies by à voir


Zakka fabric bookmark by revontulitikku.

Zakkaish bag from cozyholidaycottage


Zakka pins from lostindeepseaforest


So....zakka anyone? Me definitely!!



5 comments:

  1. Thank you for sharing photos of mine, but the first one is not a creation of mine, just a copy of a pattern.
    Thanks again :) Cheers !

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  2. Oh sweeties! Thanks for appreciating my works!

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  3. How's your sales going?

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  4. hi kelly,

    got your url from NNC (i'm one of the member too :))..
    i have to say your craft works are fantastic!!
    i browsed over your etsy, and love love love your inchies..

    i found out you signed up for PPP too, i'm with PPP since february and loving it :D

    welcome to the group. glad to know another crafter around :)

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  5. Cute , beautiful, simple and fun. I love it!

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