JAPAN. Parfums Christian Dior has opened its first standalone airport boutique in Japan, in partnership with DFS Group at Kansai International Terminal 1.
The store is the beauty maison’s first in partnership with DFS. It offers fragrances, make-up, skincare, and the brand’s recently relaunched high-end fragrance line: Maison Christian Dior.
Dior, DFS and Kansai International Airport said that they had come together to offer “a unique traveller experience” and highlighted the opportunities of a Trinity collaboration such as this.
Dior explained that the store design was created to offer the best possible visibility for its fragrance lines and to allow travellers to better experience its make-up collections.
Interactive elements include a Lip Studio, where travellers can enjoy a speedy makeover before they fly; and a Skincare Bar, where visitors are invited to “touch and feel” products in order to better understand them.
“I strongly believe that this ‘Trinity’ spirit can bring happiness and an unforgettable experience to passengers” – Parfums Christian Dior Area Manager Rie Shimazu.
The Maison Christian Dior collection comprises a wide selection of fragrances, candles and soaps. These are developed by Dior’s Master Perfumer François Demachy and aim to “celebrate a resolutely contemporary French art de vivre”.
The store concept looks to create an “elegantly Parisian ambience” that provides a “window” onto Grasse, the French town considered the world capital of perfume. A large digital screen shows striking images of the Dior-owned Château de La Colle Noire and the flower fields from which the brand harvests raw materials for its fragrances.
The Maison Christian Dior collection comprises 22 fragrances, some classic and some new additions. These include orientals such as Ambre Nuit; florals such as Jasmin des Anges; sensuals including Dior Amour; light florals including Thé Cachemire; and fruity and fresh fragrances such as Cologne Royal.
Dior’s popular Mitzah scarves will also be available. The thin silk scarves are designed to be spritzed with perfume and worn around the neck or wrist. “This marks the first time the Mitzah is available at a Dior standalone boutique in an airport in Japan,” noted the brand.
The boutique also offers a selection of luxury soaps and candles, again developed by François Demachy.
Purchases can be wrapped in a customised box decorated with a coloured cord and finished with a Maison Christian Dior wax seal.
Parfums Christian Dior Area Manager Rie Shimazu commented: “The launch of the first Dior standalone boutique at Kansai International Airport is a significant milestone for Dior Travel Retail Japan.
“Kansai International Arport is the ideal place to have this beautiful Dior boutique to offer a world-class experience with tailor-made services.”
Shimazu added: “This project would not have been possible without the active collaboration and trust-based relationship of each party.
“The special relationship, made of a mutual understanding of each other’s needs and constraints, is a great and an ideal way to create a unique and win-win business.
“I strongly believe that this ‘Trinity’ spirit can bring happiness and an unforgettable experience to passengers.”
DFS Group Managing Director Japan Nicolas Villeger said: “DFS aims to create unique retail experiences that elevate the enjoyment of travel.
“We are proud to partner with Christian Dior Parfums and Kansai Airports to present a multisensory, immersive and personalised experience for our global travelling customers, with the exciting launch of this first standalone Dior boutique with Maison Christian Dior in travel retail Asia.”
Kansai Airports Corporate Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer (Non-Aeronautical) Hideo ‘Dale’ Ichida added: “We are excited to be the first airport in Japan to unveil the standalone Dior boutique.
“The luxurious concept, sensorial elements and tasteful spaces immerse travellers in the unique Parisian lifestyle. We certainly look forward to delighting travellers with the most captivating retail experience as they travel through Kansai International Airport this season.”
