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Scents · 2025

Narcissus in Eau de Hajime – From Flower to Niche Perfumery

Published
Language
English
Reading time
3 min
Read this piece in Vietnamese: Đọc bằng tiếng Việt

First published on 3 April 2025, kept as it was written.

Potted narcissus with white petals and yellow cups among slender green leaves, the flower behind Eau de Hajime

The Beauty of Narcissus in the World of Fragrances

In the world of perfumes, every ingredient carries its own story – some scents are bold and intense, while others are as gentle as a soft, lingering note. Narcissus, a symbol of beginnings, has always been a muse to many perfumers with its sophisticated fragrance and the meticulous craft required to tame it in a blend. From its delicate petals to Eau de Hajime, this refined fragrance is born from the hands of artisans who truly understand the craft of perfumery. This journey is not merely a process of extraction and formulation; it is a transformation of nature into emotion, of memories into an unforgettable olfactory signature.

The Purity of Narcissus in Niche Perfumes

Unlike many other flowers, whose essential oils can be easily obtained through steam distillation, Narcissus demands a much more delicate and meticulous extraction process. The solvent extraction method is crucial for obtaining the absolute—a precious, concentrated essence that embodies the entire soul of the flower. This challenging extraction not only names Narcissus as a rare ingredient in the perfume industry but also elevates it as a symbol of luxury and refinement. Only in high-end creations, where every detail is carefully considered, can Narcissus be fully appreciated, resulting in a fragrance that is both ethereal and deeply layered.

Close-up of pure white narcissus blossoms with small yellow stamens, the heart of Eau de Hajime
Close-up of pure white narcissus blossoms with small yellow stamens, the heart of Eau de Hajime

The Journey of Transforming a Flower into a Fragrance

Pale narcissus bulbs with fresh green shoots laid out on black cloth before trimming
Pale narcissus bulbs with fresh green shoots laid out on black cloth before trimming

Harvesting and Selecting the Narcissus

The timing of the harvest is crucial to the quality of the fragrance. The Narcissus flowers are carefully chosen at the perfect moment—when the petals have fully unfurled yet still retain their freshness and purity. Unlike many other ingredients that can be processed immediately after harvesting, Narcissus requires a special treatment phase to preserve its distinctive aromatic layers.

Extracting the Essence – Solvent Extraction

The solvent extraction method is the only way to capture the original scent of Narcissus. First, the flowers are immersed in a mild organic solvent to dissolve the aromatic compounds. This solution is then filtered and concentrated to produce a concrete—a fragrant wax that holds the original essence of the flower. From the concrete, experts further extract the absolute, a concentrated essence that carries the entire soul of Narcissus. This process demands high skill and precision, for even a slight misstep could alter the scent or diminish its inherent delicacy.

Gloved hands peeling back the layers of a narcissus bulb with a small knife to reveal its tender coreA perfumer smelling a scent strip at a desk, shelves of amber essential oil bottles behind
Gloved hands peeling back the layers of a narcissus bulb with a small knife to reveal its tender core · A perfumer smelling a scent strip at a desk, shelves of amber essential oil bottles behind

Formulation – Where Art Meets Science

Narcissus in Eau de Hajime does not stand alone; it is blended into a harmonious, complete fragrance. To begin, the fresh opening is marked by the brightness of petitgrain, lime, and bergamot, evoking the moment when the outer layers of Narcissus are gently removed to reveal the soft, tender core within. In the heart notes, Narcissus is not solitary; it is harmonized with jasmine, rose, and jonquil absolute, creating a warmth that remains elegantly light. In the base notes, patchouli, labdanum, oakmoss, and amber emerge like a lingering resonance on the skin—a memorable signature that endures.

Eau de Hajime – The very first encounter of your happy memory

Eau de Hajime bottle with a blue-green patina brass plate and gold cap, among pears and narcissus on stone
Eau de Hajime bottle with a blue-green patina brass plate and gold cap, among pears and narcissus on stone

Eau de Hajime is not just a fragrance; it is a narrative—a narrative of the first time one is moved by something so pure and sincere. It might be the moment when we first open our hearts to the world, the first time we love without fear, or simply the first time we truly listen to our inner voice. Like dewdrops clinging to a Narcissus petal at dawn, Eau de Hajime offers a purity that is both pristine and profound, ensuring that once experienced, its gentle signature lingers as an unforgettable memory. Eau de Hajime does not impose itself; it settles gracefully in its quiet elegance. It is a fragrance for those who cherish the beauty of simplicity and the understated allure of refined sophistication. With Eau de Hajime, Rei Nguyen simple put her stories down in perfume. This was her very first creation when Rei Nguyen stepped into the world of perfumery, and took years for her to re-balance the notes. The purity and genuine meaning it conveys touch the hearts of those who treasure the beauty of life in its simplest form.

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