The House · 2025

Rei Nguyễn and the Journey of Bringing the Spirit of Kōdō into the World of Fragrance

Published: 18 September 2025
Language: English
Reading time: 2 min

Read this piece in Vietnamese: Đọc bằng tiếng Việt

First published on 18 September 2025, kept as it was written.

Since then:

The post speaks of a single showroom; R Parfums now has three houses in Ho Chi Minh City: 34 Nguyễn Duy Hiệu, 42 Nguyễn Huệ and 26 Lý Tự Trọng.

A Touch of Kōdō in the art of modern Perfumery

When the art of fragrance touches the essence of culture

In the world of contemporary perfumery, where Western brands often prevail, Rei Nguyễn—the perfumer behind R Parfums—has found a unique way to honor and preserve tradition through scent. R Parfums was born from a deep passion for the art of fragrance, becoming a place where modernity meets the delicate philosophy of Kōdō.

From the Art of Koudou to Modern Perfumery

After seven years of study and practice in Tokyo — where the art of Kōdō (香道) is cherished as both a spiritual discipline and an aesthetic — Rei Nguyễn came to realize the power of scent to connect emotions and embody cultural depth. These experiences laid the foundation for her philosophy in modern perfumery: seeking balance through the interplay of contrasts in ingredients. For Rei, the art of fragrance is akin to metallurgy—where balance is essential in shaping harmonious layers of scent, richness, and emotion.

The philosophy of contrast in every creation

At the very beginning of R Parfums, Rei placed great value on the process of selecting ingredients and crafting fragrances. Though not all elements are revealed, each creation at R Parfums is meticulously developed from carefully selected ingredients—crafted to embody the philosophy that ‘contrast creates perfection.’ Selective ingredients: Every material is chosen with care, showcasing natural beauty and enduring values. Philosophy of creation: The contrasts between light and shadow, softness and depth, are thoughtfully explored to create fragrances infused with artistic essence. Visual language: From bottle design to the product display, every detail is created with care, carrying cultural stories that are both unique and delicate.

Rows of R Parfums glass bottles set with hand-patinated brass panels in verdigris green and gold · Lit curved shelves of amber dropper vials of raw materials around brass R PARFUMS lettering · R PARFUMS carved into a plaster wall above five bottles under glass cloches on a wooden console · Woman with short hair in white holding an R Parfums scent strip beside a brass vase of orange blooms

Rows of R Parfums glass bottles set with hand-patinated brass panels in verdigris green and gold · Lit curved shelves of amber dropper vials of raw materials around brass R PARFUMS lettering · R PARFUMS carved into a plaster wall above five bottles under glass cloches on a wooden console · Woman with short hair in white holding an R Parfums scent strip beside a brass vase of orange blooms

R Parfums – Where the timeless beauty of tradition embraces modern culture

At R Parfums, every fragrance is more than a product—it is a work of art, where past and present connect naturally and profoundly: Niche, artistic and exclusive: Each creation is meticulously crafted, not following trends but pursuing uniqueness and personality. Display like an exposition of smell: The showroom is curated as a multi-sensory experience, where light, sound, and fragrance together tell an inspirational story. Event combining art: Events pairing fragrance with art, gastronomy, and music invite guests to experience scent in new dimensions—opening the door to unforgettable memories Every creation of R Parfums is a bridge between past and present, between tradition and modernity—allowing anyone, anywhere to experience the fragrance of a culture both rich and refined.