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À La: Centuries-Old Japanese Fragrance Secrets Unveiled
14 Dec
Summary
- À La launches with incense and potpourri crafted using centuries-old Japanese techniques.
- The brand highlights family businesses with six generations of incense-making expertise.
- Products range from $46 potpourri to $650 artisanal urushi lacquer boxes.
The new brand À La is set to launch, bringing centuries-old Japanese fragrance traditions to a global audience. Co-creators Karl Cyprien and Meg Cuna Cyprien have curated an initial collection of incense sticks and potpourri, meticulously crafted by Japanese specialists. These products stem from Awaji Island, a locale with a rich history in incense making dating back to the 6th century, embodying a sense of timelessness through traditional artistry.
À La's commitment to heritage is evident in its sourcing, including incense made by a family business for six generations and porcelain boxes from a four-century-old Arita atelier. The collection's price points vary, from $46 for potpourri to $650 for decorative urushi lacquer boxes, reflecting the artisanal quality and historical techniques employed. The brand aims to celebrate the craft of fragrance-making and decorative objects, with more items like eau-de-parfum and candles planned.
The founders, inspired by their personal appreciation for fragrance and Japanese aesthetics, spent a decade developing the brand. Despite the challenges of establishing a new venture while raising young children, À La represents a fusion of their admiration for refined, pared-back beauty and their deep respect for Japanese cultural traditions, aiming to offer simple yet elegant products.
