We’re Shutting Up Shop…

Sad, sad times. In fact, completely crap times… We’re regrettably having to close Kuji Shop down. But let us be clear -> only the physical shop is closing <- we will continue to trade as an online only boutique here.

There are a few reasons we’re closing, but the main one is that overheads and a lack of passing trade in these tough economic times have really taken their toll on us. Financially, it just doesn’t make sense to remain open as a shop.

BUT, it’s not all doom and gloom! Because, this means that now we’re not really physical and can float about in the ether and take up as much room as we like…! There is massive opportunity for expansion. Products we would have loved to have in the shop but couldn’t, we can now sell online. We have so many brilliant ideas and plans that this is proving to be one of the most exciting times for us! And we want you to share it too!

We’d like to think that the majority of our “physical” customers will continue to shop with us online, because really, that is the only way we’ll be able to keep finding all these wonderful, cool, unique products. If you see something on our site that you like, tell people about it! Tweet it, share it, blog it, talk about it, whatever – but we need your help and word of mouth as much as possible.

We will continue to run this blog, our social media channels and everything else as normal, so don’t worry about missing out on our super interesting posts

Everyone at the shop wants to say a HUGE thank you to all of our fantastic customers. We will miss you lots! But hope you’ll stay in touch on our Facebook/Twitter? Any questions or feedback, you can always email us at kujishop[@]gmail.com and we’ll be happy to discuss things… Bye for now!

Canhoto Art

If you know us at Kuji Shop already, you’ll know that we love to bring you unique, exclusive and frankly, wonderful things. And if you don’t know us – well, that’s what we do. So keep reading.

As usual we’ve been scouring the country for the freshest, most interesting and alternative stuff we could find, and this time… We found something good. Something very very good indeed.

Beautiful yes? Lurking in the murky underworld that is ‘illustration’, CANHOTO is an artist/illustrator with an impressive catalogue under his belt.

From depicting gritty scenes from the North West (Salford/Manchester) to drawing inspiration from the brutal Yakuza, he creates beautifully delicate and seemingly fragile pieces of art.

Using multiple layers of colour, texture and hand drawn illustrations, Canhoto builds up etherial yet bold pieces that have a strangely tactile finish. The detailing is insane! We think these awesome prints will work wonders on your wall (see what we did there? Little Manchester reference for you) and are more interesting than most…

We’re lucky to be selling Canhoto’s prints to you because he’s in demand! Being commissioned for a number of big projects in the past and working away on various projects as this is being typed.

Each piece of his work is exclusive to us and on a limited print run, so you can be sure you’re buying a nice little bit of individuality. Prints come on a heavy set cartridge paper too, not too flimsy for Kuji If you know someone who’s into their art/illustration these would make the perfect gift. Or even just a gift to yourself for being so damn cool?

We keep changing our mind about our favourite piece, so we’re asking you – which is your favourite? Let us know in the comments.

You can see the full range and shop for prints on the Kuji Shop website, here.

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Lomography Competition: High Contrast

For those of you who don’t know, we run a monthly* photography competition over on the Kuji Shop facebook page.

We get entries from all over the world and the standard is usually top notch, so it makes sense that the prizes we dish out are of the same caliber. In the past the winners have taken home brand new cameras, discount codes and shop vouchers – smashing!

This month we’re running with the theme HIGH CONTRAST (easy enough) and have got some wonderful prizes in the pipe line.

If you’re reading this wondering what the hell Lomography IS, then head to the Kuji Shop website and feast your eyes upon the fantastical, magical, crazy cool effects that Lomography cameras give to your film photos. There’s no right way to take photos, but there’s no wrong way either.

To enter the competition just post your entries (related in any way to HIGH CONTRAST) on our facebook wall. Tell us where you took the picture and what camera you used. The only stipulation is that you must have taken the photo with a Lomography camera.

Clicked yet? Good, now off you go! Get posting.

*Whenever we remember

Label Focus: Unit Portables

Always on the look out for something quirky and unique here at Kuji Shop, we’re excited to introduce Unit Portables.

They’re bags, but not just any bags… They’re more of a system really: Bags, pouches, holders and buttons that clip, hold and structure all your worldly possessions and gadgets in a really smart way. Each bag is like the perfect protective pouch that shields your most treasured belongings from the harsh and, frankly dangerous, outside world. (We like dramatic effect ok?)

No but really, they’re ideal for storing expensive and important bits and pieces, and enjoy being on the move as much as you.

We have two styles here at Kuji Shop – first is Unit 01, a laptop bag that is as reliable as it is cool.

It’s a beautiful looking computer bag with a sewn in, padded laptop sleeve (can fit either 13″ or 15″ laptops) and has a typically Scandinavian minimal design. The clever built in handle lets you carry the bag by hand or over your shoulder too.

The back of the bag has a handy slip pocket for all your top secret documents too. They’ve really thought of everything!

The Unit 01 bag comes with two extra little space savers: Unit 02/03 allows you to carry even more gadgetry wherever you’re off to. These are removable so attach them if you want, leave them off if you can’t be bothered or just have one if you’re feeling *crazy*.

They can be attached to the inside or outside of Unit 01 so you can even mix and match.

They’re tough polyester pouches with zips and are designed to carry your cables, phone, wallet or any other accessories you might have, and they help you stay organised. Or at least help you look organised (which is the most important thing).

The second style we have is the wonderful Unit 04, an iPad/tablet computer case that is simply a must-have if you’re a gadget geek like us.

It is a protective, padded sleeve specifically designed and built for an iPad or tablet. It is designed like a stylish ‘Mini-Me’ of Unit 01 and also features the built in handle for even more portability. This little beauty can be attached to the inside or outside of Unit 01, or just have it on it’s own because it looks so excellent. These are selling for just £25 so snap them up.

Shop for your Unit Portables bag right here and get it filled with all your gadgets ASAP!

Unit Portables most important “raison d’être”, as the French people put it, is to fill the gap between boring computer bags and snobbish fashion notebook bags. The beautiful thing however, is that Unit Portables fills both functional needs, as well as being really good looking! If that wasn’t enough to convince you just watch this video, then tell us you’re not impressed. We’ll know you’re lying though.

What do you think of Unit Portables? Love the design? Blown away by the colours? Suitably impressed with their functionality? Let us know in the comments.

Just Another Mannequin Monday…

It’s been a few weeks since our last ‘Mannequin Monday’ post, and it seems we’ve timed it perfectly with the weather. Coincidence that the sun comes out the day we post? We think not.

We’ve got a really simple outfit today: Summery-easy to wear-great for dressing up or down-take to the beach over your bikini styleeee.

We probably should have called this Monochrome Monday really – we’ve gone grey. Never a bad thing though! This strapless, box pleated ‘Coast’ dress in broad ‘Roller Grey’ stripes is a beauty for the Summer.

It is by Supremebeing and has a double-knotted natural cord belt which brings in the waist, adding a lovely shape thanks to the full length pleats.

The magic of this dress comes from the concealed elastication around the waist as it sits naturally on the smallest part of your waist, creating a natural hourglass figure. Sweet!

We think this is perfect for wearing over your bikini on the beach, or even smarten it up at night with some heels or (in holiday mode) sandals or wedges. For night time, a simple cardigan or blazer would look mega fine.

Mandy’s wearing the Coast Dress with a simple ‘Pipe Necklace’ from Brutal Jewellery. We’ve stuck with the monochrome colour scheme, as this little gem comes in a vintage silver plated finish. Like we said, this is a really easy outfit, just fling on some statement jewellery (of which we have a lot, here) and you’re away!

What do you think? Like, LOVE? Let us know in the comments!

Label Focus: Crow & Dunnage

We’re taking a look at one of our best selling independent labels here at Kuji Shop – Crow and Dunnage.

Crow and Dunnage is a screen printing company hailing from Sheffield. They print clothing, prints and accessories for other labels/brands but they also have their own range of amazing t-shirts often with illustrations and designs made by themselves, though collaborations are also on the cards.

Crow and Dunnage pride themselves on the quality of their printing – everything is done by hand and the dyes they use are all from natural sources. The t-shirts they print on are no exception to this high quality standard either:

- All t-shirts are 100% Organic cotton with 90% Reduced CO2 Footprint
- Certified “Fair Wear”

Ethical production and sourcing of products is important to us so the Crow & Dunnage label is one we are happy to have here at Kuji Shop!

The latest line of t-shirts by Crow and Dunnage are now live at kujishop.co.uk and this range is in on par with their (already quite extensive) catalogue of amazing illustrations and designs.

The collection comprises intricate illustrations, detailed graphic drawings and fantastical creatures… What more could you want on a t-shirt? Designs come from L.G.Harborne, Boneface and Andrew Thomson (Sector 4 Illustration) to name a few.

Each design has a very limited run of just 25, so once these are gone – they’re gone. You can see the full range here at kujishop.co.uk.

What do you think of the designs? We reckon each one is a work of art in itself and we’re struggling to pick a favourite!