In this seventh edition, I explore fragrance that harmonizes with kimono. Founded in Paris in 1803, Officine Universelle Buly is a renowned beauty house offering natural skincare and perfume. We visited its Daikanyama flagship store in kimono to discover scents and rituals that enrich traditional attire.
Established in Paris in 1803, Officine Universelle Buly was created by Jean-Vincent Bully, a perfumer known as the “magician of perfumes and aromatic vinegars.” His emphasis on natural ingredients and innovation captivated Europe with refined fragrances and skincare.
The Daikanyama flagship store, opened in April 2017 as Buly’s first overseas boutique, now leads a network of 18 stores in Japan, including Kyoto, Osaka, and Nagoya.
Buly’s signature creation, Eau Triple, is the world’s first water-based perfume, made entirely without alcohol or ethanol to highlight natural aromas. Unlike alcohol-based perfumes that shift from top to base notes, Eau Triple retains its initial soft fragrance over time.
With 22 varieties, the recommended scent for kimono wearers is “Al Kassir.” Infused with sandalwood and cardamom, this exotic woody fragrance recalls the richness of Arabian lands while evoking refinement and grace.
Testing fragrances is a delight in itself: scents are sampled with glass laboratory-style bottles, adding a touch of playfulness to the experience.
The matching body oil, Huile Antique, can be applied after bathing, massaged onto damp skin for hydration without greasiness. Inspired by ancient Greek practices, this method enhances absorption while leaving skin luminous—ideal for kimono wearers whose neckline and wrists are subtly revealed.
Among the natural oils offered, Camellia Seed Oil made with premium camellia from the Goto Islands stands out. Crafted by skilled artisans through traditional steaming and pressing, this oil nourishes hair, enhancing the lustrous shine essential to elegant Japanese hairstyles.
Buly’s offerings are celebrated as gifts. Calligraphy services elevate the experience, with staff inscribing names in ornate lettering on-site. In addition, initials can be engraved on items such as combs, brushes, toothbrushes, and lip balms, with five font styles available for personalization.
It is also possible to personalize items with engraved initials. Combs, brushes, toothbrushes, and lip balms can be engraved, with five original font styles available to choose from for your preferred design.
Every detail of the Daikanyama flagship—its artistic interior, packaging, uniforms, and services—reflects Buly’s devotion to beauty and craftsmanship. This vision is led by brand director and beauty expert Ms. Victoire de Taillac and artistic director Mr. Ramdane Touhami. Passionate about Japan, the couple relocated to Tokyo to establish the flagship, blending French heritage with Japanese artistry. The store design embo
The store design embodies two worlds: on the right, a faithful recreation of an 1803 Paris pharmacy, with walnut cabinets, terracotta floors, and marble, all crafted by French artisans; on the left, a futuristic aesthetic with glass and concrete reflecting modern Tokyo. Even the lighting is divided—warm hues on the right, cool tones on the left—joined at the center by a luminous line inspired by the Japanese art of kintsugi.
The legacy of Jean-Vincent Bully continues to evolve, bridging centuries and cultures. Like kimono, Buly embodies both tradition and innovation—craft refined over generations to achieve ultimate beauty. Experiencing these scents while dressed in kimono becomes a rare luxury, where two worlds of artistry meet in harmony.
Officine Universelle Buly
Daikanyama Flagship Store
1-25-9 Ebisu-Nishi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
TEL : +81-3-6712-7694
＜Hours＞
11:00~20:00
＜Closed＞
Irregular holidays
Official Website＞＞
