In Takamatsu, artisan Kazushi Iwasa—a fifth-generation incense maker—steers IWASA, his family’s business that’s been in operation since 1872. Long-inspired by indigo, we commissioned Iwasa to craft a scent around the natural color and its traditional dyeing process for our 2019 Omakase box. Pulling from the brand’s reservoir of scents, Iwasa assembled 400 limited edition incense sets, bearing notes of wood and musk. When lit, its …
In the crowded home goods market, young Encinitas, CA-based brand Norden caught our eye with striking yet simple packaging, expressing dedication to quality and utility. It makes sense after learning that owner Pete Panciera’s background is in graphic design and art direction, and that he has plenty of experience working for other brands. Now he has his own, working with his wife, fiber artist Erika …
You might not be as familiar with hiba as you are with Japan’s more well-known native offering, the hinoki cypress, but its unique benefits are aplenty. The essential oil extracted from rare hiba wood, which can take 300 years to mature, is said to eliminate odors, relax and uplift, and work as an eczema treatment. Topanga, CA-based Studio Cue LA, a daytime retreat run by …
