Le Labo might be self-described as ‘born in Grasse, France, but raised in New York City’. But the boutique perfume brand has never shied away from a global presence. Founded by Fabrice Penot and Eddie Roschi in 2006, Le Lebo sources ingredients from all corners of the world and has built an array of storefronts in Copenhagen, Australia, and Germany, among other countries. Now, Le Labo has a new flagship outpost in Kyoto, Japan, aptly named Kyoto Machiya.
For Deborah Royer, the global brand president and creative director of Le Labo, Japanese culture is inherent in its DNA. ‘I have such a deep respect for this country’s intrinsic kindness, overwhelming beauty, and unending well of inspiration,’ she says. ‘This same appreciation and love for Japan have been part of Le Labo since our founding, considering it a living embodiment of our deepest values of preserving artisanship, creating with intention, and honouring the nuanced beauty of what’s impermanent, incomplete, and unrushed.’
