Perfumer H is celebrating a significant milestone as it opens its first boutique in mainland China, strategically located in the vibrant heart of Shanghai. Founded a decade ago by Lyn Harris, a British master perfumer with training from the renowned Robertet in Grasse, France, the boutique occupies a historic four-story lane house on Julu Road. This endeavor stands out as Perfumer H’s most ambitious project yet, marking its growing footprint in the world of bespoke fragrances. Harris, reflecting on the store’s concept, shared her observations on the evolving retail landscape, noting that people are moving away from traditional shopping malls toward more immersive and community-oriented experiences.
The architectural design of the Shanghai store, crafted by the local firm Tao+c, draws inspiration from Harris’s very first store in London’s Marylebone. This new space aims to celebrate the artistry behind perfumery and fosters creativity. By preserving elements of the former tenant’s structure, Harris has created a unique atmosphere that blends culture and commerce. Notably, the emerald green steel beams are reminiscent of Shanghai’s identity, while the oak wood cabinets suspended from a ceiling system invite shoppers to explore and discover fragrances at their own pace.
On the ground floor, customers are welcomed into an enchanting space that showcases the full range of Perfumer H’s perfumes and home fragrance products. This exciting collection is complemented by a fragrance laboratory and a candle-refill station, allowing visitors to engage with both the creative and manufacturing processes behind the scenes. An aesthetically pleasing touch is added with repurposed indigo fabric panels from Oame, a local design studio dedicated to preserving traditional indigo-dyeing crafts. These panels lead the way to a serene back garden adorned with plants chosen in collaboration with a local florist, further enriching the overall experience.
The second floor of the boutique serves more than just a retail space; it houses an art gallery featuring an exhibition titled “Process,” showcasing the work of longstanding collaborators and new local partners alike. This creative initiative reflects Harris’s commitment to supporting artistry in various forms. Alongside the perfumes and home scents, the gallery features unique handcrafted items such as incense holders, perfumed teas, bespoke butter, and other artisanal goods. In a nod to contemporary retail trends, the adjacent scent library offers personalized olfactory consultations, allowing visitors to explore scent families and select fragrances tailored to their preferences.
Moving upward, the design continues to inspire creativity, with the third floor accommodating Perfumer H’s local office, while the fourth floor is set to launch an artist residency program this summer. This innovative space will be where selected artists can create their works, which will eventually be shared with customers. Harris articulated her vision, emphasizing the importance of fostering creativity among individuals she collaborates with and introducing visitors to a rich cultural experience through art-making workshops and demonstrations during their residency.
As Harris adapts to her new environment, she highlights her experience in creating fragrances that resonate with local culture. One notable fragrance, titled “Steam,” draws inspiration from visits to local tea plantations, where she discovered the unique attributes of tea cultivated in humid conditions. The resulting scent captures the essence of tea leaves, blended with subtle plum notes, encapsulating the morning dew’s effect. This personal connection underlines Harris’s commitment to authenticity as she expands Perfumer H’s presence in China. With the opening of this store, the brand has now established 11 locations globally, five of which are in Asia, marking a significant step towards its continued growth and dedication to creating personal and meaningful fragrance experiences.