Claus Porto

April 15, 2018April 15, 2018 | Design & Culture by Ed

The Chiado district of Lisbon is a treasure chest of the best goods coming from all over Portugal. At the roots of Claus Porto are its German founders and a beautiful, historic city of Porto. The label built its name on hand-crafted soaps infused with fine fragrances, which draw on ingredients from the country’s rich and lush countryside. These products are imbued with an artisan’s heart and soul, and are wrapped by hand in packaging illustrated with retro-inspired and vintage graphic designs, which give a sense of being transported to the glamourous decadence of Belle Époque Europe. Not only soaps tempt you at Claus Porto, but as well creams and perfumes. Still, it’s the signature soap that everyone has to bring back home, whether you’re deciding between Classico, Deco, Agua de Colonia or Musgo Real.

Rua da Misericórdia 135 / Lisbon

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Incense by Byredo

December 1, 2017December 1, 2017 | Design & Culture by Ed

Inspired by the warm and comforting scents of the festive season, Byredo‘s candle is a soothing, smoky blend of Incense and Eucalyptus, peppered with notes of Crisp Amber and Wild Patchouli. It has been handmade in France and comes in mouth-blown red glass vessel that can be used as a small vase or pot when finished. It really does make a lovely holiday gift.

December is right here – and yes, it’s that time of the year. Get Incense here before it’s out of stock!

Le Labo in Berlin

October 12, 2017 | Design & Culture by Ed

The leathery scent of Santal 33 is like a drug. Bitter sweetness of Bergamote 22 is a sensual refreshment. Neroli 36 feels like liquid memoir of an Italian summer. I’m speaking of Le Labo, a brand that’s not just about (already) desirable branding, but powerful fragrances. Heralded as one of the best niche fragrances brands in the world, Le Labo boasts a core selection of unique fragrances and exclusive scents available in nine cities. Their newly opened store in Berlin‘s Mitte district is as delightful as the products available there. Those old tiles on the walls, heavy wooden counters, vintage sofas… honestly, wouldn’t mind staying here for much longer.

Alte Schönhauser Str. 26 / Berlin

Photos by Edward Kanarecki.

Buly 1803

March 24, 2017April 15, 2018 | Design & Culture by Ed

Starting in the late 18th century, the famed “Bully”, established in 1803 on Rue Saint-Honoré in Paris, made a name for himself (which he then wore with a double consonant). At the turn of the 19th century, perfumers were still the heirs of the craftsmen from the Ancien Régime, and the keepers of their trade secrets. The vogue of perfumes followed in the wake of a fresh openness to the world and to its novel, sometimes exotic flowers – as with Joséphine de Beauharnais, who imported to France and acclimatized new olfactory species and audacities. Bully welcomed the advances of science and cosmetics to formulate his own inventions in form of perfumes and scented oils. Among these, his remarkable skin care products achieved lasting fame. Throughout the Golden Century of beauty, which witnessed the invention of the first formulations of modern cosmetics and perfumery, the ‘officine’ gradually established itself as a trend-setter.

Today, Buly 1803 is reborn in Paris, on rue Bonaparte 6 in the sixth arrondissement, with a different spelling and a refreshed concept. Visiting their boutique was like entering a cabinet de curiosités, falling hard for the opulent marble furniture, antique illustrations on the walls, and Japanese porcelain flacons costing 3000 euros and up. Buly 1803 is a true gem and it’s quite unbelievable to find brands like this in our world of fast, mass-consumption.

Discover Buly 1803 finest products: Buly 1803 Pommade Concrète balm, Buly 1803 Campagne D’italie candle & Buly 1803 tortoiseshell comb.