MUJI
If you haven't heard of MUJI, let me enlighten you. This Japanese miniature department store is one of my favorite places to shop for... well just about everything. The word muji is Japanese for "off-brand, high quality." The company's policy is to be void of branding and identifiable names that flood Western markets and shops. In the United States, "off-brand" items are viewed as low quality and, to be honest, cheap. No one wants to drink Diet Rite when you're craving a Diet Coke, am I right?
As a brand loyal psycho, I was stunned by the quality of MUJI's products. Their clothing is unadorned and durable, which makes for great basics to wear around the clock. I bought five black t-shirts for work and have found myself wearing them on my days off. Their organizational products are comparable, or even superior to, companies like The Container Store. If you are an organizational freak like myself you will leave the MUJI with every bin, box, and basket you can find to store away all of your unmentionables.
The absolute best part of MUJI's product lineup are their housewares and their office supplies. My inner intellectual snob appreciates a high quality notebook and pen to use for work. Finding a duo that doesn't cost me a day's wages has always been a challenge, but MUJI did not let me down. Their selection decimate their competitors', including overpriced places like Sugarpaper, by designing plain pads, pens, pencils in a wide array of colors and sizes. I bought three thousand pens (I might be exaggerating) and have used them for sketches and note taking ever since.
The most visually satisfying photo ever
“Simplicity and emptiness yield the ultimate universality,
embracing the feelings and thoughts of all people.”
The housewares follow the MUJI design principal of "simplicity and emptiness" to a tee, while incorporating a distinct Japanese style. Many believe that Japanse design is centered around tea houses, shoji screens, and bonsai trees. Fortunately, your subtle orientalist racism is void here as MUJI focuses on the contemporary side of the Eastern nation's aesthetic. The company's design team brings a regimented type of design that amalgamates form and function perfectly. A few of my favorite houseware items include their mini toothbrush holder, which is smaller than a standard shot glass, and their famous Aroma Diffusers.
MUJI Toothbrush Stand, courtesy of MUJI.eu
The Aroma Diffuser is an air humidifier with a slot to add different types of essential oils. Once you turn the machine on, steam flows out that smells similar to the breath of God. The scents are pungent in the best way and can make any home smell significantly better. Does your rental still smell like cigarettes from the previous tenant? Freshen it up with essential oil scents of Geranium or Lemongrass. My personal favorites are the Eucalyptus and Winter Bouquet flavors. The diffuser can also act as a nightlight and will make you feel more Zen than your pretentious Bikram yoga instructor.
The most calming video you've ever seen, courtesy of MUJI
Take me to Church a.k.a. MUJI Santa Monica
MUJI is an international company, but like all the best things in America, the only U.S. locations are located in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York. If you don't live in those metropolises, you can order any product from their website. MUJI's commitment to sustainability is an added bonus that will help assuage your guilt for spending half your paycheck here. I hope you love this place as much as I do! Now excuse me while I go sit in front of my aroma diffuser for a few hours.
P.S. take a look at their About Muji page for some awesome digital shorts that showcase their products.
Cheers,
Hugh
