Surrounded by timeless objects with value that can be passed down from generation to generation.
The store faces Yawata Street. Goods are lined along the walls and Larry's selection of books in the center of the store.
The store in LA is called "OK the store", but the name of the store in Japan is "I'M OK". Could you tell us about the origin of the key word "OK"?
Larry Schaefer (Larry):We have beautiful and wonderful products from all over the world in our store, and we want our customers to be OK by saying "I'm OK" to them. We want everyone here to enjoy and feel welcome, and "OK" has that nuance.
What do you think is beautiful?
Larry, the owner. This is the first time for the company to open a store outside of Japan.
Larry:For example, if you buy a chair, after two or three years of continuous use, you may think, "What the heck..." In contrast, many Eames chairs look great even if they are 70 years old. On the other hand, many Eames chairs are wonderful even if they are 70 years old.
My specialty is vintage, but I am not interested in retro or nostalgic pieces. What moves me is something that looks like it was designed today, even though it is old. For example, vintage Levi's looks cool now, doesn't it? Similarly, the products we carry at "I'M OK" were designed a long time ago, but they still look modern and not at all old-fashioned. I'm sure they will still look cool 100 years from now.
I feel that "timeless" is an important keyword when talking about "I'M OK".
Larry also uses a "Junghaus" watch at home.
Wooden works collected from all over the world. We deal in many stools and vessels.
Larry:Yes. That is exactly where the value lies. The items we purchase are not inexpensive, but we choose items that will last a lifetime and have enough value to be passed on to our children and grandchildren.
I lived with my family after I entered the workforce, but one day I decided to live on my own and started saving money. One day, I decided to start saving money to live alone, but then I found a desk designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. I bought it, even though it was more than I had saved (laughs).
You really love interior design, don't you?
Larry:When I moved into my apartment, it was the only piece of furniture I had. I had to borrow money to buy the other furniture, but I still use the desk I bought 35 years ago in my home in the US. I would like to pass it on to my son. This idea must be the origin of "OK the store" and "I'M OK".
I'm OK" is a concept that is based on these values.
Larry's message to the Japanese staff is printed on the floor.
All messages are positive and poetic.
Larry:Nowadays, someone will specialize in some genre. They like music, fashion, etc. I want to share what I am interested in and what I know. I want to share with my customers what I am interested in and what I know.
I want this store to be a place where anyone can find what they can afford and what they want, not a place where only designers are satisfied. That is why we carry everything from expensive products to children's toys. Everything is selected using my aesthetic sense as a filter. I want to create a place where people from all walks of life can mingle and create a community through my products. When customers enjoy themselves, I and my staff also enjoy ourselves. This will create a community and grow into a space that everyone can enjoy. When I come back to Japan, I look forward to asking the staff, "What interesting guests did you have? When I come back to Japan, I look forward to asking the staff, "What interesting guests did you have?
- 1
- 2
