Every September, Le Labo does something called the City Exclusive Collection. During that month, the collection—that’s inspired by cities around the world—is available for purchase. Available at your local brick-and-mortars and online, the collection finds a new addition to its ranks: OSMANTHUS 19, a tribute to Kyoto.
From the wabi-sabi embrace of imperfection to the reverence for craftsmanship and ritual, Japan has shaped the brand’s worldview since its earliest days. After Tokyo’s GAIAC 10 became a cult favourite in 2008, it made sense for Le Labo to return to the Land of the Rising Sun for OSMANTHUS 19. With its hushed balance of heritage and modernity, is it any wonder that Kyoto would inspire a scent of its own?
OSMANTHUS 19 takes its cue from the fleeting flower that blooms in early winter; it is a delicate yet deep scent. First, there’s the meditative pull of incense and lavender, before the osmanthus unfurls—creamy, sensual, almost elusive. Anchored by resinous woods, the fragrance feels distinctly Kyoto-ish. There, centuries-old machiya houses coexist with neon-lit arcades; serenity is found in the spaces between.
Is osmanthus not your jam? Don’t fret. There are other City Exclusive series like the aforementioned GAIAC 10 (woody, musky; hints of cedar and olibanum); CUIR 28 (Dubai exclusive; leather, wood, spicy vanilla and musky notes); CITRON 28 (Seoul exclusive; lemon, ginger, jasmine and cedar notes.
And if you’re still can’t decide, there’s the City Exclusive Discovery Set—any five scents from the City Exclusive line-up in 1.5ml bottles each.
From in the month of September, the Discovery Sets and City Exclusives (15ml / 50ml / 100ml / 500ml) are available at Le Labo labs and online, and select corners. Miss out on this and you’ll have to wait another year. If patience isn’t a virtue, there’s always that trip to Kyoto.
AloJapan.com