【Tokyo Stroll】Visiting “Coci la elle” in Daikanyama to get our hands on a colourful umbrella!

28.June.2017 | FEATURES / SPOT

Daikanyama is a popular little place located in a quiet residential area filled with stylish cafés and shops. It’s surrounded by big tourist areas including Shibuya, Ebisu, Nakameguro and Ikejiri-Ōhashi, so is very easily accessible. Today we head to Daikanyama with Rinko Murata-chan, a place where you can have all kinds of fun shopping, eating or simply strolling around, to visit “Coci la elle Swan,” a shop specializing in umbrellas.

 

“Coci la elle” – Umbrella Specialists

Coci la elle started originally stocked only one type of umbrella when it opened, a type made for protecting you from the sun. They now own a second shop in Daikanyama which opened in April this year in addition to the main shop and studio in Kiyosumi-shirakawa.

 

Today, we are visiting the newly-opened shop in Daikanyama, “Coci la elle2,” which goes by the name of the “swan” shop. It received this name as the number “2” looks like a swan. The closest station is Daikanyama Station via the Tōkyū Tōyoko Line.  The station is only 1 stop from Shibuya and so is conveniently accessible, with Coci la elle only an 8-minute walk away from the front entrance.

 

Seize yourself a handmade umbrella

 

Coci la elle offers vibrant umbrellas in all types of colours and designs to brighten your day when those rainy days get you down. They also have umbrellas that will protect you from the blistering sun on those scorching days while also making you feel elegant at the same time.

The sun protection umbrellas are all made by hand, one by one, with their own individual designs and embroidery. The rain umbrellas are printed designs, but these are also all made by the head of the brand Chika Higashi, who makes collages out of photos and her own illustrations.

 

>>next page

Multifarious items at your disposal

 

The shop is decorated with all kinds of different umbrellas for you to pick from, whether you want one for the rain, the sun or both. Stepping foot in the shop is almost like going to a gallery. As soon as your foot is through the door, you are suddenly transported into a gorgeous world of colour.

Coci la elle doesn’t just stock umbrellas either. They also offer cute raincoats designed just like a classic raincoat, high quality big-sized scarves made from 100% silk, fun handkerchiefs with an original Coci la elle design, sun umbrellas all handmade by the staff, and more.

They also have their first visual book on display titled “Kasa” (umbrella) where you can enjoy looking at all the different photos and illustrations of all the different colourful umbrellas.

 

The perfect umbrellas for Daikanyama

 

The umbrellas at Coci la elle fit right in with the elegant town of Daikanyama. Saigōyama Park is close-by to the shop so it could be fun to take a stroll there after visiting. There are countless umbrellas to pick from, so you are sure to find one that fits perfectly with your outfit, or one that suits your hometown.

 

■Information

Coci la elle Swan

Address: 14-5 Hachiyama-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Access: 8-minute walk from the front entrance of Daikanyama Station via the Tōkyū Tōyoko Line / 13-minute walk from the West Exit of Shibuya Station / 1-minute walk from the JR

Business Hours: 12:00-20:00

Holidays: No holidays

Telephone: 03-6277-5262

So, what did you think? Next time you’re free, head on over to Coci la elle and treat yourself to a gorgeous reward, or maybe pick something up for that special someone!

 

Model: Rinko Murata @rink0_

Rinko Murata works in fashion and is active on radio and TV. Sales of her first style book were so successful that it required extra printing during its first week. She also has a rapidly growing following on her social media. As well as modelling at big fashion events, she has her own column online at “She magazine,” and receives much attention for her work in the areas of culture and lifestyle.

 

Photo & Writer:Haruka Yamamoto

Editor:Sayuri Mizuno(ASOBI SYSTEM)

Translation:Joshua Kitosi-Isanga

 

Related Article:【Tokyo Stroll】Renting a bike and riding through Yanaka – the town reminiscent of old-fashioned Tokyo

Related Article:【Tokyo Stroll】A Day Out At: Kyu Shiba Rikyu Garden—An Oasis In The Middle Of Tokyo!

1 2

RELATED ENTRIES

  • Evangelion’s Unit 1 Featured on Limited Edition Edo Faceted Glass at Tsutaya Books Daikanyama

    19.June.2022 | ANIME&GAME / FASHION

    The first Evangelion-themed Edo faceted glasses were released in November 2021, and Tsutaya Books Daikanyama will soon be selling limited quantities online! These items were previously only available to purchase locally.

    Evangelion Unit 1 Edo Faceted Glass: ¥64,900 (Tax Included)

      The Evangelion Unit 1 Edo Faceted Glass was designed along with a traditional pattern inspired by chrysanthemums, which symbolize longevity in Japanese culture. While the standard colors of faceted glass are red and blue, the gold and purple colors used in this unique item are extremely difficult to create, with only a few factories capable of producing them.The glassware is designed and cut by Kosho Nemoto at Nemoto Glass, which has produced the finest Edo faceted glass in Tokyo for three generations. The webpage below also explains how these glasses are produced. The product is scheduled to be released in late June 2022 and is currently available for pre-order. The amount available is extremely limited, so be sure to order as soon as possible if you’d like to add one of these valuable glasses to your collection.
  • Daikanyama T-SITE Holds Exhibition to Celebrate Marimekko Art Book Release

    30.September.2021 | FASHION

    Marimekko, a Finnish textile and fashion company, has been a major inspiration in the art world for 70 years. The Japanese edition of Marimekko: The Art of Printmaking, published by Thames & Hudson to commemorate the brand’s 70th anniversary, will be released on October 1, 2021. To commemorate the release of this highly-anticipated art book, a special Marimekko exhibition and pop-up store are coming to Daikanyama T-SITE starting on September 21, feating an outdoor installation featuring Marimekko printed fabrics. A bookstore display of photos taken by Osma Harvalahti, along with other Marimekko art books, will be waiting for interested guests.          The four chapters of Marimekko: The Art of Printmaking highlight the collaborations and colorful print designs that the Finnish brand has released over the years through vintage archival photos and advertisements. The tome contains the philosophy of the Marimekko brand, and introduces the Herttoniemi print factory, working with the inspirational brand since its inception. In the future, Marimekko aims to be more sustainable while also finding new sources of boundless creativity.    Fans of art and history shouldn’t miss out on this limited-time event, running until October 15, 2021!   
  • Tendo Mokko Rethinks Japanese Modernity With ‘Japanese Modern / 80 Project’ to Celebrate 80th Anniversary

    12.July.2021 | FASHION / SPOT

    In commemoration of Tendo Mokko's 80th anniversary, DAIKANYAMA TSUTAYA BOOKS is hosting the "Tendo Mokko & Japanese Modern" fair from July 7 to August 6 where the new products from the interior design brand is being sold. This includes a new book titled the same as the fair which details the brand's most famous furniture works. New furniture by Hiroshi Nakamura, Koichi Futatsumata, and Wataru Kumano is also being exclusively sold there.  

    Each participating artist's signed nameplate

    Tendo Mokko is a Japanese furniture maker. After the Second World War, they made huge developments the country's architect and design culture in collaboration with architects and designers by creating products rooted in the climate and natural features of Japan. One of the spearheads of this movement was Kenmochi Isamu, a modernist designer who played a pivotal role in the development of Japanese industrial design after World War II. Through the history of Japanese architecture, Tendo Mokko has joined hands with countless famous designers to manufacture furniture.   Last year, the company turned 80 years old. As part of the commemoration, it is looking to dive deep into and rethink Japanese modernity at the Tendo Mokko & Japanese Modern fair where visitors can see their latest wares as well as learn about the process of developing new furniture and more. All of this, along with interviews, is also detailed in the book. Those who pre-order products at the fair will also receive one of the above-pictured nameplates depending on who designed it.
  • Tokyo Barbershop Founder Masaki Sakota Curates Art Exhibition

    25.June.2021 | FASHION / SPOT

    Masaki Sakota, the founder and head barber of Tokyo-based barbershop BARBER SAKOTA, has curated a line-up of five up-and-coming artists for their work to be displayed at Frame by Frame, an art fair currently taking place at DAIKANYAMA TSUTAYA BOOKS until July 2  

    Exhibition's main visual

    BARBER SAKOTA t-shirt produced for the exhibition costing ¥6,600

    The Frame by Frame exhibition is themed on photography, music, video content, science, art, and more, with each young artist selected by Masaki Sakota. The line-up includes Yuki Aizawa, Yu Todoroki, udai, Mayuka Katano & Kosuke Katano, SHOTA OKAMOTO, and more.   The exhibition also features a frame by frame display of products that have been exhibited on the shelves at BARBER SAKOTA since it first opened. The 'frames' were made by NOTEWORKS, a woodcraft company who has strong ties to BARBER SAKOTO and their sister stores.
  • The Ultimate Chocolate and Confectionery Indulgence is Here With LIFE IS PÂTISSIER’s White Day Gifts

    06.March.2021 | FOOD / SPOT

    Japanese chocolate and baked goods bakery LIFE IS PÂTISSIER is now selling a collection of luxurious treats for White Day, the sequel to Valentine's Day in Japan, via their online store until March 14.  LIFE IS PÂTISSIER is a takeout chocolate bakery that specialises in chocolate and baked confections. Some of their signature items include their pound cake and chocolate bonbons. They also serve sable biscuits, madeleines, and much more. They are based in Jiyugaoka, a neighbourhood in Meguro, Tokyo, where they enjoy plenty of customers both local and tourists. Due to the pandemic, they are currently operating entirely online. 

    LIFE IS PÂTISSIER White Day Gifts 2021

    Leaf Caramel | ¥1,800 (Before Tax)

    Crunchy chocolate caramel bites drizzled in even more sweet, melty caramel.

    Macarons | ¥2,300 (Before Tax)

    A rainbow-coloured collection of raspberry, pistachio, caramel, lemon, and chocolate macarons. 

    Madeleines (Contains 6) | ¥2,800 (Before Tax)

    Refreshing madeleines made with a mix of Japanese and Italian lemons. Refrigerating them gives the outer icing a delicious crunchy texture.

    Strawberry Milk Crunch | ¥900

    Smashed cookies and caramel combined with strawberry chocolate and milk chocolate.

    Special Box | ¥4,500 (Before Tax)

    A very special collection of raspberry chocolate treats coated in dark chocolate.

    Flower Swag | ¥3,200

    A fragrant flower swag composed of an assortment of fresh flowers. Perfect for decorating walls and doors and overtime become dried flowers.   White Day CardsLIFE IS PÂTISSIER is also offering White Day cards which people can couple with their gifts.
  • Tokyo Stroll: The Café That You Want to Visit to See Someone #14 – ‘Kayaba Coffee’ in Yanaka

    17.September.2020 | FEATURES / FOOD

    In this edition of The Café That You Want to Visit to See Someone, I visited Kayaba Coffee, a coffee shop in Yanaka, Tokyo, which is a perfect example of the old and traditional shitamachi neighbourhoods. Kayaba Coffee is just a 10-minute walk from both Nezu Station and Nippori Station. This is a place I've visited in my private time out of work and I'm always excited to go. Kayaba Coffee was established in 1938, and actually closed in 2006. But due to public demand, the cafe reopened just two years later in 2008. It's a popular coffee shop loved by people of all generations.   Time to head on in.   The first floor houses the counter and table seats, while the seating on the second floor is traditional zashiki style on tatami flooring. Although it's a cafe, you I feel so relaxed in there that it's like I'm visiting my grandma's house. The sun shines through the big windows, making you all warm and want to take a nap. I ordered their super popular egg sandwich! The menu was changed in May this year, and a new and improved version of their egg sandwich was put on there. It's made using sourdough bread from VANER, a local bakery in Uenosakuragi not far from the cafe.

    Breakfast Menu - Egg Sandwich | ¥1,000

    The chewy, sour bread is the perfect combination with the fluffy eggs.

    Lemon Squash | ¥600

    The lemon squash has a cinnamon aftertaste. Everything on the menu is made with love and perfection; before I realised it, I was hooked on going there.

    Strawberry Shaved Ice | ¥800

    This was my first shaved ice of the year! I went with the classic strawberry flavour. The syrup is super juicy and nearly collapsed the fluffy shaved ice the moment I put it on. It has a syrupy texture and the strawberry juice has a sweet and sour kick that's just simply delightful♡   And you can make it even sweeter by pouring over your desired amount of condensed milk. It was really tasty. Kayaba Coffee is the same as it was back in the day, and continues to be loved dearly. I think even people who visit it for the first time will feel a sense of nostalgia. If you have a place you can go to relax on bad days or when you're feeling down, it's sure to give you the strength to work hard again. This cafe is a wonderful place that's close to people's hearts.   I want to visit there again already.   Writer/Model: Ema TaniokuPhotographer: Haruka YamamotoDesign: Yuko Takayama (ASOBISYSTEM)Translator: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga