With just 600 square feet, Moojoo Ken has transformed their U Street boutique into a Rainforest like atmosphere where beautiful exclusive knits dangle hypnotically from the ceiling on a series of ropes craftily knotted to resemble hangers; and their signature shoes and handbags create a towering menagerie of splendid, indigenous designs that adorn the space like exotic burgeoning flowers.

The seventies was an era that represented freedom and non-conformity, and that’s precisely the vibe you get from Moojoo Ken designs. Infusing rich, vibrant colors from that period with today’s futuristic, lighthearted, and minimalist design trends is what makes their designs so unique.

Their brand insignia, the whimsical “curly-edged” emblem that is variably incorporated into every piece, is the art inspired by the childhood dreams of 41-year old Ali Ayrom, Creative Director and Lead Designer for Moojoo Ken.

Described as “humble and shy,” business partner Heather Dadmanesh sites Ayrom’s strong affinity for Japanese culture and being intricately involved in every facet of each collection from designing to selling as key sources of inspiration.

“Moojoo Ken means unconditional in Japanese. [Our pieces are designed to] make our buyers intensely satisfied. [In order to do that] we need to know what they touch, pick up, and respond to,” Dadmanesh passionately expressed. “It also allows us to analyze trends. As far as designing our own line of shoes and handbags is concerned, however, we really must express ourselves and take a chance on own hearts. Luckily, the response has been genuinely warm.”

Dadmanesh, who likes to pair classic looks with bold, colorful shoes and bags, asserts that the Moojoo Ken buyer is “adventurous, joyful, pleasure -seeker ” – An observation that can only be made by a company that undoubtedly understands the importance of knowing their customers.

It’s this type of attention to details that has enabled Moojoo Ken to continue to stay afloat the very fickle [fashion] retail industry. When asked about fashion in the district, they admit they are not quite sure why it “hasn’t caught on yet.” Acknowledging the conservative nature of this area, Dadmanesh suggest that it doesn’t have to be difficult. “It’s important [for women] to do a little for yourself. Appearances are important. How you present yourself says a lot about who you are.”

Moojoo Ken opened its doors in January 2006, doubling as both their boutique and design studio. The company is known for its handbag and shoe designs; and works exclusively with several international designers to provide the boutique’s jewelry and apparel selection. When asked what has kept them from leaving Washington D.C. to pursue their craft in one of the more typical fashion “it” towns, Dadmanesh affirmed:

“This is just the beginning for us. We’re still young. We just have to make sure our decisions make us feel good. We have a showroom in L.A. and with the right customer base; we’ll be able to explore other opportunities. But we live here, this is our home. No matter what there will always be the need for this lab that we have here [in D.C.].

Moojoo Ken is located at 1512 U Street NW, Second Floor in Washington, D.C. Visit online at www.moojooken.com.

All Images were taken from the Moojoo Ken catalog.  Shown: Foggy Bottom Collection (top) and Unagi Collection (bottom)

Click here to view the complete catalog.