As a globetrotting connoisseur of both architecture and fragrance, I must say that Le Labo’s new Kyoto flagship store has left me absolutely enchanted. Having traversed the globe from the grandiose palaces of Europe to the minimalist marvels of Scandinavia, it is rare to find a space that so masterfully blends historical preservation with contemporary coolness.
The new flagship store and cafe by Le Labo, located in Kyoto, was meticulously redesigned by architect Jo Nagasaka to transform a 145-year-old traditional townhouse, known as a “machiya” in Japanese culture. By skillfully blending the modern aesthetic of the fragrance brand with the historical context of the site, Nagasaka, head of Schemata Architects, ensured that the unique Japanese character embedded within the structure remained intact.
In keeping with the traditional charm of old Kyoto, the building’s exterior design is deliberately modest. The architect on this renovation project explained that they collectively agreed to create a shop that mirrors the local and historical character of the old machiya in Kyoto, as it stands out stylistically from the modern concrete structures housing their other stores. At first glance, one might confuse the boutique for a late 19th-century home, but subtle touches like the sans-serif “Le Labo” sign near the entrance and the branded curtain over the door give it away as a modern store.
Inside the building, Le Labo’s unique brand essence is vividly reflected. The main materials for the interior décor are a blend of dark brown wood, exposed brick, and vintage concrete, lending an antique charm. Japanese antiques and minimalist design elements are artfully combined with industrial-style lighting fixtures and dark pine floating shelves. In keeping with Japanese interior design principles, the height of the shelving and display tables is lower than typical Western standards, giving a sense of coziness to the space.
The brand’s time-worn visual language feels very much in line with the Japanese aesthetic philosophy of Wabi-Sabi, which embraces natural marks of impermanence and imperfection. In the West, Le Labo locations often standout among other contemporary brick-and-mortar stores, as they are distinctively smaller, have warm and dark interiors and appear as if they had been there for generations. In recent years, Schemata Architects has also been enlisted to inaugurate the presence of other contemporary brands like Danish homeware brand HAY and Blue Bottle Coffee to Japanese cities.
The Le Labo Kyoto main store has just opened its doors and can be found at Shimokorikisho 2-206, in the Nakagyo district of Kyoto, Japan. Don’t forget to visit our gallery for a peek at the beautifully restored images of the historical site!
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2024-09-24 22:26