Since its origins, the style of Costume National has always stood out for its unique blend of two fashion cultures quite far from each other: Japanese culture, with its minimal and deconstructed lines, and Italian culture, world renowned for its impeccable sartorial quality. Costume National’s J and I are a beautiful pair, paying homage to the roots, the inspiration and the aesthetic of the brand.
Creating an intriguing journey from East to West, J is an ode to Japan – where inspiration began for what is now Costume National. The bright elegance, where the past meets the future, J tells the story of the quintessential iconic Japanese Cherry Blossoms. A fascinating country with a rich cultural background. Throughout its millennial history, remarkable traditions and customs have consolidated, strongly characterizing the everyday life and making Japanese known worldwide for their natural discretion, calmness and delicacy combined with a great sense of humility, dignity and moral strength. Inspired by Japanese culture, J embodies the sparkling personality, the creativity, the beauty, elegance and traditions. The delicate Cherry Blossoms epitomise the refinement of Japan, playful and kawaii, yet also steeped in tradition and respect.
NOTES
Top: Mandarin Orange, Lime, Neroli
Middle: Cherry Blossom, Orange Blossom, Rose
Base: Cashmere Wood, Rice, Cedar, Moss
PERFUMER
Fanny Bal
HOW IT WEARS
Japan is an Eau De Parfum, which should generally give the wearer around 6 – 8 hours of longevity on the skin. Being such a delicate concoction however, you’ll probably find that although it does spring to life and deepen with the warmth of your skin, this essence of Japan will be a polite and gentle wear. One you may want to top up on before then, just to make sure it’s still there. The Cherry Blossom and Orange Blossom take centre stage, a light and sweet floral with an incredibly fresh opening but settling to a soft, warm and clean floral base.
LORE LOVES
Like a big, beautiful bouquet bursting with bountiful blossoms, we are obsessed by the way this fragrance captures everything we fantasise Japan to be, especially at Blossom time. Transporting you immediately to a walk beneath the spring shower of delicate petals, as they come to their fruition and float gracefully down from the branches above, directly onto the skin…or a reverent afternoon stroll through one of her many glorious blooming gardens. A pure and delicate blend of assorted blooms and fruits, that perfectly captures the essence of this sensory, seasonal experience in a bottle. A celebration of all things polite, pure and natural about Japan.
ABOUT THE BRAND
Founded in 1986 by Capasa brothers Ennio and Carlo, the Costume National fashion label emerged as a fusion between Japanese and Italian cultures. Learning his craft in Japan, Ennio began the fashion in his home country of Italy (based in Milan). The Costume National line is based on the history, craftsmanship and raw materials from both cultures. Their aesthetic extends to their iconic fragrance line – Minimal, Chic and Rock’n’Roll.
FREE RETURNS
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Gayle (verified owner) –
Most of the time the thing that beckons me to test a fragrance is the BOTTLE! Yes, I’m a very shallow person. The smooth, curves of the Lubin range, the classy, straight lines of the L’Artisan Parfumeur bottle, but the colour and shape of the CoSTUME NATIONAL bottle is one I’d easily ignore. To me it looks almost masculine. Luckily I sensed a mystery in this one (I’m also a bit partial to a nice smelling mystery male)! Unlike most decisions I’ve made in my so far 68 years, this time I hit the jackpot! I’m so glad I didn’t ignore “J”. It’s just lovely. Words that come to mind immediately are creamy but somehow powdery in it’s dry down. One can be repulsed if introduced to an “old” garden but THIS garden is fresh immediately after a light shower of rain, a bouquet of exquisite deep, deep red roses just cut. Another word is “heady”. Not “head achy” as some perfumes are. I would definitely purchase a second bottle of this one. Gayle