Heritage
A house, in its own words
The story of Matthew Chang Perfumes begins with a personal fascination for scent that emerged while the founder worked at a Le Labo boutique in Seoul. In interviews, Chang describes that period as a turning point, where he learned the craft of blending and the power of fragrance to shape memory. After leaving Le Labo, he spent several years developing his own olfactory language, drawing on both Korean floral traditions and contemporary minimalist aesthetics. By mid‑2020s, the brand launched its first three signature scents, which quickly earned a reputation among niche‑fragrance enthusiasts for their soft, skin‑hugging presence. The flagship Anguk store opened in June (year not disclosed publicly) and was designed as an extension of the brand’s philosophy: a calm space where each bottle is displayed like a piece of art. In 2023 the house announced its first international expansion, targeting Japan for a 2024 launch, a move confirmed by a press release on the official site. Throughout its growth, the brand has remained independent, sourcing ingredients directly from European and Asian suppliers and maintaining production in small batches to preserve quality. While the company does not publish sales figures, its steady addition of new releases each year—such as A Hug (2021) and Our July (2022)—demonstrates a consistent creative output that aligns with its founding vision of bringing romance back to daily life. Matthew Chang Perfumes positions scent as a personal dialogue rather than a statement. The brand’s creative vision centers on intimacy: fragrances are formulated to unfold slowly, allowing the wearer to experience subtle shifts over time. This approach reflects Chang’s belief that perfume should complement, not dominate, daily routines. The house emphasizes authenticity, insisting that each ingredient be traceable and that the final composition respect the natural character of its components. Sustainability appears in the brand’s sourcing policy; raw materials such as Bulgarian rose oil and French jasmine absolute are obtained from farms that practice responsible agriculture. Transparency extends to the retail experience: staff at the Anguk boutique are trained to discuss fragrance families, concentration levels and longevity, encouraging customers to explore without pressure. The brand also values artistic collaboration, occasionally partnering with Korean visual artists to create limited‑edition packaging that mirrors the scent’s narrative. Overall, the philosophy blends a minimalist aesthetic with a romantic sensibility, aiming to make everyday moments feel a little more fragrant and a lot more personal.