L'OFFICINE UNIVERSELLE BULY (hereafter referred to as Buly), the acclaimed beauty store that reopened in Paris on Rue Bonaparte in 2014 and has expanded to locations such as London's Dover Street Market, opened in Daikanyama, Tokyo (1-25-9 B1, Ebisu Nishi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo) on April 1st. Founded in 1803 by Jean-Vincent Buly, known for creating the world's first women's perfume, Buly is said to have inspired the protagonist in Honoré de Balzac's Les Comédie Humanes as a distiller, perfumer, and beauty expert. Buly, a comprehensive beauty pharmacy that has enjoyed a 200-year reputation in Paris, made a comeback in 2014 on Rue Bonaparte, the promenade leading to the Seine. The Tokyo store marks the brand's fifth location, following locations in Taiwan, Seoul, and London, with a New York opening planned. The Tokyo store features a painted ceiling reminiscent of the Paris store's original design. Behind the Comptoir (main counter) are stately Empire-style fixtures and over 100 perfume bottles and jars, creating a space reminiscent of a 19th-century pharmacy. While faithfully adhering to traditional manufacturing methods, the store has also leveraged the latest beauty technology to refine its products. They are free of parabens, phenoxyethanol, and silicone, and their perfumes are glycerin- and alcohol-free. Based on recipes beloved by Greek and Romans, including hand-picked ingredients, the store sourced timeless ingredients from around the world, covering everything from face, body, and oral care to men's care. The diverse product lineup includes oils, powders, clay, incense, potpourri, stones, sponges, combs, brushes, nail clippers, and toothbrushes. Gift boxes, message cards, and calligraphy services are also available, along with candle engraving.
Ramdane Touhami, founder of Officine Universelle Buly, is well-known in the fashion industry as an artistic director who has collaborated with the likes of Bon Marché in Paris and Liberty in London. He is also known for reviving Cire Trudon, France's oldest candle brand. This time, he and beauty specialist Victor de Taillac, who edited Corpus Magazine, a beauty magazine published by Colette, have worked together to supervise the products.
The store's location, an obscure back alley running from Daikanyama to Ebisu, is also unique. The website is also unique, with a segment called "BEAUTY RADIO" featuring audio-only reports of visits to Japanese camellia oil artisans.
Text: Tatsuya Noda
