Nomad
A Whirlwind Shopping Trip Around the World
by Nayiri Krikorian
Located on a stretch of Mass Ave between Harvard and Porter Squares is a string of independently-owned, one-of-a-kind boutiques. With businesses selling wares ranging the gamut from vintage Danish Modern furniture to modern Danish clogs, it’s easy to spend several hours lazily dropping in and out of this Cambridge district’s shops. There are many stand-outs in this eclectic and vibrant neighborhood; one of the more colorful is indubitably Nomad, whose oversize windows beckon browsers to peer a little more closely at the contents within.
On an overcast pre-Halloween day, the displays were made up of metallic Mexican papel picado banners, golden dupioni silk drapery panels from India, mannequins bedecked in brightly-patterned sweaters and skirts, and more than a few child-sized papier-mâché skeletons. What’s interesting is that though the skeletal-theme continues inside, it had little to do with trick-or-treating, ghouls or costumes. The friendly staff at Nomad is not morbidly-inclined; instead, they happily acknowledge their favorite fall holiday: the Day of the Dead.
Also known as All Souls’ Day, it’s a cheerful celebration, skeletons and skulls notwithstanding. In early November, festivities take place throughout Latin America to rejoice the soul’s passing out of this world and into the next. Though Nomad offers folk art and home goods from around the world, it is their Day of the Dead paraphernalia that is by far the most attention-grabbing. The adorable mini-figurines include bride-and-grooms, doctors, a James Brown lookalike, and a personal favorite: amusingly well-endowed pole dancers.
In spite of its unabashed love of Día de los Muertos, don’t get the impression that Nomad is only about skulls and Mexicana; the two floors are dedicated to fair trade crafts and textiles from nations such as Morocco, India, Bolivia and the Philippines, as well as an assortment of eco-friendly, stylish clothes and accessories from across the country.
Upon entering the store, you’ll notice a small, dimly-lit stairwell descending to the basement level. Here you’ll find an array of three-dimensional star-shaped lamps in clear and colored glass, as well as etched tin; their twins brighten the porches of many of the nearby houses. Also catching the eye is the expansive assortment of traditional Talavera ceramics. Intricately painted in warm jewel tones, these Mexican platters, pitchers and serving ware make perfect any-occasion gifts.
Recently, Nomad expanded its selection to include even more items with that same international, socially-conscious flair; this time, however, the merchandise was intended for children and toddlers. Rest assured; even if there’s no one on your shopping list who would fit into a silk-screened Che Guevara T-shirt or a kimono-style onesie – whimsically packaged in a sushi take-out tray – children ranging aged twelve to twenty-two will love the books about Lucha Libre. After all, they come with luchador action figures.
Women shoppers are the true lucky ones at Nomad; a majority of the goods are aimed at them. More than five displays are dedicated to the jewelry section alone. There is no denying the intricate and involved labor that went into creating the antique Mexican and vintage Indian gold earrings, some of which are from the 19th century. If the thought of wearing – not to mention buying – museum-worthy pieces makes you nervous, check out the nature-inspired collection from Somerville-based Amy Casher, or the works by Elena Solow, a New York silversmith who incorporates Mexican and Asian motifs into her designs.
The available apparel matches the store’s free spirited, citizen-of-the-world aesthetic; shoppers have their pick of modern bohemian clothing from Prairie Underground and LA Made, as well traditional ethnic pieces like the collection of Mexican rebozos -- oversized, colorful scarves.
Be wary of getting too close to clothes, as it's impossible to walk by the Margaret O'Leary knits without stroking their soft surfaces. Woven from sustainable materials like bamboo yarn, the of-the-moment sweater-dresses are a perfect way to balance stylishness with social awareness. Another “green” option is the Cydwoq shoes; this eco-friendly footwear line is made of leather – either vegetable-dyed or hand-painted – and is “hand-sculpted” to ensure a perfect contoured fit to the sole of your foot.
“You won’t want to take these off if you try them on,” warns a salesperson, gesturing to an absolutely beautiful pair of boots. Made of distressed two-toned leather, it’s the sleekest shade of aubergine imaginable contrasted against the richest of deep chocolate brown. To top it all off, it’s soft to the touch. “They’re ridiculously comfortable,” she adds, unintentionally summing up the essence of Nomad.
There is a sense of almost ridiculous comfort here, from the melodious tribal music playing in the background to the warmly-hued painted walls to the hand-embroidered Pakistani Ralli quilts folded near the door, enticing you to curl up for a quick nap. It’s easy to overdo it at Nomad, to sweepingly declare that you’ll take one of everything. After all, when you think of how many cities, regions and nations are represented by the items on the sales floor, a bit of indulging is cheaper than a plane ticket. Well, perhaps not, but in any case, you won’t need your passport.
Nomad
1741 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge
617.497.6677
nomadcambridge.com
Monday-Friday 10am - 7 pm
Saturday 10 am – 6 pm
Sunday 12 pm – 6 pm
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