New York-based fragrance house Le Labo has unveiled its latest store in Kyoto, a beautifully restored space designed by Tokyo-based Schemata Architects.
Nestled within a 145-year-old traditional wooden townhouse, or Machiya, the store perfectly captures Le Labo’s slow perfume ethos, which emphasises simplicity and high quality raw ingredients. The Machiya, which dates back to 1879 and once served as a respected sake family brewery, has been carefully preserved and transformed into an inviting space where clients can explore pure ingredients and genderless packaging, forging a personal, olfactive connection with the scents.
The restoration, which began over a year ago, was a collaborative effort between Le Labo and Japanese architecture firm Schemata Architects. Together, they worked to preserve the original features of the Machiya, including the floors, walls, framing and sinks, using centuries-old materials and partnering with local artisans. The design seamlessly integrates Le Labo’s vintage aesthetic into the historical context of the Machiya, with the fragrance lab booth constructed from reclaimed Japanese wood rather than the brand’s usual distressed steel. The result is a space that honours Japanese heritage and craftsmanship while offering a uniquely intimate experience for discovering Le Labo’s fragrances.
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