À La: A New Fragrance Brand Celebrating Japanese Craftsmanship

À La, a new fragrance brand, is set to launch this week, featuring incense sticks and potpourri crafted by Japanese artisans using traditional techniques. The brand aims to embody timelessness through the celebration of fragrance-making and decorative objects, as articulated by co-creator Karl Cyprien. The products are sourced from Awaji Island, Japan, an area renowned for its incense production since the 6th century.

New York Times

The initial offerings from À La include incense infused with agarwood and Korean mint, alongside finely ground potpourri scented with myrrh and sandalwood. The incense is produced by a family business that has been operating for six generations. Customers can purchase the incense individually or in a porcelain box crafted by a four-century-old family-run atelier in Arita, known for its porcelain heritage. Pricing for the products ranges from $46 for a 40-gram box of potpourri to $650 for a decorative box made from urushi lacquer, a traditional Japanese technique.

New York Times

À La's products will be available for purchase on its official website and at select retailers, including Gem Home in New York City, Chiarastella Cattana in Venice, and SKP Select in Beijing. The brand plans to expand its offerings to include eau-de-parfum, candles, shower gel, and body lotion, as indicated by Karl Cyprien, who also serves as the vice president of special projects for artist Daniel Arsham.

New York Times

Karl Cyprien, 35, and his wife Meg Cuna Cyprien, 42, co-founded À La. Meg previously held the position of style director at Urban Outfitters and Nike, bringing her expertise in fashion and design to the brand. Their collaborative vision seeks to merge contemporary aesthetics with traditional Japanese craftsmanship.

New York Times

The launch of À La highlights a growing trend in the fragrance industry that emphasizes artisanal production and cultural heritage. By focusing on traditional Japanese techniques, the brand not only supports local artisans but also promotes the preservation of centuries-old practices in fragrance-making.

New York Times

Karl Cyprien expressed that the goal of À La is to create a brand that resonates with a sense of timelessness, emphasizing the importance of craftsmanship in their products. He stated, “Our goal with À La was to create a brand that really emanated a sense of timelessness through the celebration of the craft and tradition of fragrance-making and decorative objects.”

New York Times

• “Our goal with À La was to create a brand that really emanated a sense of timelessness through the celebration of the craft and tradition of fragrance-making and decorative objects,” — Karl Cyprien, Co-Creator of À La

New York Times

The introduction of À La marks a significant addition to the fragrance market, blending traditional Japanese artistry with modern consumer preferences. As the brand prepares for its debut, it stands poised to attract those interested in high-quality, culturally rich products.

New York Times