Collection

Long before Proust's madeleine or modern discoveries of its intimate connection in the brain to memory and emotion, smell held an important place in many cultures for thousands of years. Considered a second-tier sense with the violent upheavals of modernity, it is perhaps for the very reason that it can be neither seen nor heard that fragrance has such important functions within various traditions of spiritual and religious practice. 

With products designed specifically for many of the different spaces we inhabit on a daily basis, since 2009, Tokyo-based retaW have sought to touch all aspects of life with scent. Their broad range of products—from car air freshener to room spray to candles—are developed with the latest dermatological innovations in mind and imbued with a selection of purposefully developed fragrances, each of which is designed to conjure what is most elemental—retaW is water, backwards, after all.

The Product

The perfect follow up to a gentle cleansing scrub, retaW's Fragrance Body Creams have been specially formulated to leave your skin subtly fragranced long after their hydrating and replenishing qualities have worked their magic. In pursuit of this elusive equilibrium, this blend combines ceramide and natural essential oils of shea, safflower, with extracts of chamomile flower, burdock root, and sage leaf. Expertly balanced with the bright floral notes of retaW's Allen scent, this cream strives for holism, soothing the skin and calming the mind.

Suitable for normal to dry skin types.

The Fragrance

There is a good reason as to why many recently founded small fragrance makers have veered away from the flowers that traditionally formed the backbone of perfumery: floral fragrances are hard to balance without overpowering the wearer and even more difficult to make unique. This makes retaW's Allen fragrance all the more impressive. From a base of heliotrope, this scent blossoms into an ever-shifting bouquet of lilies, curled at its fringes with fruity acidity by with top notes of freesia and cassis. Jasmine and tuberose—age-old perfume elements—add complexity to the field, creating a rich floral mélange. With so many potent aromas in one scent, the Allen is a testament to retaW's adeptness at creating fragrances that tease new agility from centuries-old component scents.

2.2 fl. oz (65g).

Made in Japan.