Hanae Mori – Japanese haute couture transcribed into perfume
Hanae Mori is the Japanese perfumery house founded in 1996 by the eponymous designer, first and only Asian couturière admitted to the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture parisienne. The maison transposes Japanese haute couture into perfume, with creations marked by a refined sensibility at the crossroads of Japan and Paris. Discover HiM and HM at Soleil d'Or, Lille-based perfumery.
Hanae Mori: Japanese haute couture transcribed into perfume
Hanae Mori, first Asian couturière of Parisian haute couture
Hanae Mori is the Japanese perfumery house founded in 1996 by the eponymous designer, first and only Asian couturière admitted to the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture parisienne (1977). Hanae Mori has marked the international fashion of the second half of the 20th century by introducing Japanese sensibility into the codes of Parisian haute couture. The maison's perfumery prolongs this East-West dialogue, with creations of refined sensibility that capture the fold of a kimono in the Parisian elegance.
The maison's signature scents
The Hanae Mori pantheon brings together HiM, HM, Haute Couture and Butterfly — a roster of refined feminine and masculine creations that bear witness to the couture writing of the maison.
Who is Hanae Mori for, and when to wear it?
Hanae Mori speaks to lovers of Japanese-Parisian haute couture perfumery, who appreciate the refined East-West cultural dialogue. The house offers feminine and masculine creations. Creations sit in the floral, oriental, powdery and ambery families. If you enjoy Hanae Mori, you will also want to explore Caron, Lalique and Boucheron — three other refined heritage signatures at Soleil d'Or.
How to choose your Hanae Mori fragrance?
Hesitating between HiM and HM is natural — niche perfumery is an intimate matter. Our discovery box lets you test at home before committing to a full bottle. For an in-person experience, our boutique at 22 rue de la Clef in Lille (France) welcomes you for a guided trial with our team.
the Hanae Mori at Soleil d'Or, Lille-based perfumery since 1953
At Soleil d'Or, an independent Lille-based perfumery founded in 1953, Apolline and Victorine Maes (fourth generation of the family) and their team welcome you to discover the entire the Hanae Mori catalogue, with expert guidance and guided trials.
Free shipping & in-store pickup
We offer free shipping over €60 in mainland France, and we ship across Europe and worldwide. Live in Lille or the metropolitan area? Free in-store pickup at 22 rue de la Clef is the fastest and most economical option. Full conditions on our shipping policy page.
Frequently asked questions about Hanae Mori perfumes
Who is Hanae Mori?
Hanae Mori (1926–2022) is a historic figure in fashion and perfume. The first and only Asian couturier admitted to the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture française (1977), she dressed the world's most elegant women — from the wife of the Japanese Prime Minister to the stages of the Milan and Paris operas. Decorated with the Légion d'Honneur, she launched her perfume line in 1996 with Butterfly. Her granddaughter Izumi Mori carries the legacy today.
Why is the butterfly the symbol of Hanae Mori?
Legend has it that a butterfly landed on Hanae's cradle at birth. This symbol of metamorphosis, lightness and freedom became the house emblem. "Hanae Mori" means "forest flower" in Japanese. The butterfly adorns every flacon and signs every perfume — an invitation to transformation and beauty. The house's first perfume, Butterfly, bears this name as a tribute.
Butterfly celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026 — why is this significant?
In 2026, Butterfly celebrates 30 years of existence — exceptional longevity in niche perfumery. It is also the centenary year of Hanae Mori's birth (1926). This double anniversary illustrates the power of a timeless gourmandfloral that has crossed generations without losing its modernity. Launched in 1996 with the help of Claude Saujet, Butterfly is today considered a cult perfume.
What are the differences between Butterfly and Hanae?
Butterfly (1996) is the timeless classic — gourmandfloral with white flowers, blackcurrant, musk and vanilla — soft, romantic and deeply feminine. Hanae (2020) is more modern and intense — a vibrant fruity floral with fresher, more contemporary notes. If Butterfly evokes the poetic elegance of haute couture, Hanae embodies a more assertive, contemporary femininity. Both are available in Eau de Parfum and Eau de Toilette.
Are there Hanae Mori perfumes for men?
Yes — Hanae Mori offers two masculine perfumes. HM is an aromatic woody by Bernard Ellena — lavender, lemon, sandalwood, vetiver — elegant and charismatic, available in Eau de Parfum and Eau de Toilette. HiM is more intense and woody, available in Eau de Parfum and Eau de Toilette. Both carry the butterfly emblem and the Orient-Occident aesthetic of the house.
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