When leading fashion elites from all over the world came together, bringing their global expertise and varying perspectives to the table, the result was A La Lune. A trailblazing, avant garde, luxury fragrance studio based in the city of London, A La Lune fragrances are conceptualized in response to the history, mythology, and lore of Eastern cultures through practices that have oftentimes been overlooked in Western markets. In the past, ingredients were gathered from across the globe. That access to transportation allows us to reach these locations with relative ease means that a new form of adventure must be designed – one which takes us back in time.

The basis of all A La Lune fragrances can be attributed to A La Lune Nectar. The highest quality extracts of the extremely scarce (even rarer the oud) Phoebe zhennan wood are used to craft this alchemical elixir. Phoebe zhennan wood, also known as golden silkwood, was used for the construction of the Forbidden City in Beijing. Entire logs of the wood were used to build the palatial complex, which made the area famous for having a unique, woodsy aroma. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is currently valued at just over £51 billion GBP, making it the most expensive piece of real estate in the world. It is clear to see the inherent value of A La Lune Nectar. Nothing less would suffice. Its enhancing mechanisms boost the overall staying power of the top, heart, and base notes of any A La Lune fragrance while also adding an element of complexity. When the fragrance has fully settled, A La Lune Nectar remains, leaving the wearer enveloped in mystery, sensuality, and prowess.

A La Lune London released three signature fragrances as part of their AW2021 release, all of which tell their own story and offer their own unique take on forgotten history.

Bathe in the revitalizing lake water of a Tibetan forest. Moonlight Cypress combines bergamot, sage, artemisia, cade, cypriol, juniper, Sabina przewalskii, cedar, and white musk to create the alluring smellscape of an enchanted forest. The fragrance is inspired by the Five Tibetan Rites, also known as the Fountain of Youth, which is a series of five yoga poses alleged to be over 2500 years old. Much like the Five Rites, Moonlight Cypress has the power to provide enlightenment, reduce stress and increase confidence with a simple touch up on-the-go.

Or, pay a visit to the nobility of Imperial China with Santal Extreme. Opening with the earthy accords of saffron and angelica, leading on to musky amber and frankincense, and rounding off with the sweet warmth of oud and benzoin tears, Santal Extreme weaves a tapestry of human diurnality in places like the Forbidden City. Merchants, craftsmen, government officials, and scholars cross paths while wrapped up in the hypnotizing aroma of Phoebe zhennan. Experience royal adventures, and get to know history on a sensory level.

Go into battle with a spritz of Trinity Blood. Join the Terracotta Army and be an imposing figure for evermore. This daring fragrance is composed of smoky blackberry, heart notes of myrtle, patchouli and red wine, and finishes off with the long lasting myrrh and vetiver. Dare to defend, and assemble to attack. Anyone who has the audacity to don a fragrance such as this one is worthy of a mention in Sun Tzu’s The Art of War.

Eugéne Rimmel – the legendary moniker behind Rimmel London – stated in the nineteenth century that “the history of perfume is, in some manner, that of civilisation”. A La Lune subscribes to that theory, with its unorthodox practices and techniques that recreate hidden pieces of history, or at least history that has seldom been revered in Western societies. Explore the possibilities that Moonlight Cypress, Santal Extreme, and Trinity Blood can offer, and venture into a world previously beyond reach.