Vietnamese sundries, a storm of pop design — Ho Chi Minh City now

Zakka (miscellaneous goods) in Ho Chi Minh City. Lately, it feels like things have started to change just a little. Even before COVID, there were a scattered few select shops, but now the stores that have set off wrapped in the atmosphere of the city have really enriched their lineup of items. This is what makes it so interesting! Before, things were a bit sparse — sweet, you could say, but also a little unpolished, giving off that "I made this by hand~!" kind of vibe. But now, so many items with real presence are being created.

【Saigon: A notebook with a cute logo — 40,000 VND, about 240 yen】 For example, when it comes to colors: deep, strong, lively! Even though they're just miscellaneous goods, they feel like they have a loud voice. The most representative of that is, in one corner of Thảo Điền, OHQUAO Living etc., I'd say. Beside the entrance, a white cloth.

The text printed in black quietly described the shop's concept. Inheriting the DNA of Vietnamese culture, they collaborate with artists. You can find items that enrich your everyday life, it said. According to the website, it seems about 100 local designers are involved with this shop. They've put it together so nicely~ Looking around inside the store, designs that capture Vietnam's present moment have been turned into products everywhere. Notebooks, posters, hats, socks, bags, clothing, perfume, and more.

【Corner for bedroom items such as lighting and room fragrances】 They may look scattered, yet nothing feels cluttered — and that's because the motifs feel familiar. Latticed windows, glass cups, the nón lá (a sun hat). Vietnamese coffee, plastic chairs, beer labels. The things you've seen around town are woven into the designs just as they are.

【Socks, hats, scarves, posters, and more】 What's more, the colors are the cheerful, vibrant colors so typical of Vietnam—pink, green, blue. Crisp and vivid! The pink of bougainvillea, the red and yellow of the national flag, the jade green and blue of the gates used on houses, and so on. They're all things you happen to catch sight of somewhere. Familiar, full of the feel of everyday life, chatty—you can sense a lively bustle coming through. Even though they're just sitting there quietly, they have a presence that seems to speak out loud. When it comes to Japanese goods, people tend to prefer safe, understated colors and clean, simple designs. White, unbleached cream, hazy tones. The direction of blending into the room. Here in Vietnam, maybe select shops are the opposite. Place one down, and the air changes. It gives off the role of an accent. I bought a few notebooks. When you start something new, changing your notebook is a nice change of pace! It also helps organize your thoughts.

【Notebooks about the size of a memo pad, 40,000 ND each: The Vietnamese on the left says "State Secret"】 　　*When I showed it to a Vietnamese person, they asked, "What do you write in it?" 　　　and when I answered "Passwords," they laughed at me. The words on the fabric: "make every space more enjoyable" Making spaces just a little more fun. There really are items here that make daily life more enjoyable~. Even the map of Ho Chi Minh City was finished in such a pop style, so before I knew it I ended up buying one for my own room. There had been changes to the district divisions and I couldn't quite make sense of it, but this is a map that becomes fun just to look at once you've put it up on display.

【Map of Ho Chi Minh City: If someone tells you a district number and you have no idea which is which, this might help you sort it all out】 My husband said he wanted to display one at his office too, so we bought a big one as well. We popped over to the framing shop, picked a coolly understated frame, and had it turned into something really impressive.

【I had a picture frame made for about 60,000 VND = around 360 yen】 ■The shop I stopped by this time OHQUAO Living etc. 📍Google Map： https://www.google.com/maps/place/OHQUAO+Living+etc./@10.8029271,106.7316329,18z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x317527acdf4c717b:0xd2f948d3bdf73e32!8m2!3d10.8029151!4d106.7326438!16s%2Fg%2F11t0m20czp?authuser=0&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQyNy4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D Relocation Life Ranking