The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
Nishane approached perfumer Julien Rasquinet with a clear mandate at the brand's founding in Istanbul in 2012. The house name itself translates to 'mark' or 'symbol' in Turkish, expressing the goal of creating fragrances that leave a lasting impression on anyone who encounters them. Rasquinet anchored Wulóng Chá in oolong tea, a semi-oxidized variety that offers more complexity than green or black tea alternatives. The opening citrus and the drydown fig and musk were chosen to frame the tea as the true protagonist, creating a vertical structure where the central note commands attention while the supporting elements elevate rather than compete. The composition reflects the house's ambition to be immediately distinctive yet reveal new dimensions over extended wear.
Oolong serves as the primary expression in Wulóng Chá precisely because its semi-oxidized character offers complexity that pure green or black tea cannot match. The citrus opening is not decorative but functional, designed to capture attention and create an inviting entry point before the tea reveals itself. Litsea cubeba was selected as a bridge between the bright opening and the deeper heart, its aromatic properties smoothing the transition. Nutmeg adds warmth in the heart phase without competing with the oolong's nuanced profile. In the drydown, fig and musk were chosen to honor the tea's presence rather than replace it, creating a soft lingering character that rewards patience.
The evolution
The fragrance opens with a bright burst of citrus from bergamot, orange, and mandarin orange that commands immediate attention. Litsea cubeba introduces a subtly peppery aromatic quality that elevates the citrus beyond simple sweetness, adding an herbal dimension that signals the fragrance's intentions. Within the first twenty minutes the citrus begins to recede and the oolong tea heart emerges as the dominant character, joined by nutmeg which adds warm spice and prevents the tea from feeling flat. The drydown shifts toward fig, which provides soft, slightly creamy fruit that plays harmoniously with the lingering tea note. Musk anchors the composition with a clean, enveloping presence that extends the fig's warmth while ensuring the fragrance remains detectable for hours on skin.
Cultural impact
Wūlóng Chá has been a notable presence in Nishane's lineup since its original 2015 launch, praised for its refreshing power and its unusual tea-fruit combination. The X version arrived in 2023 as the brand's anniversary interpretation, softening the original's sharper edges and positioning itself as the more wearable option for those who want the same character without the intensity. This revised edition speaks to how a fragrance can evolve alongside its wearers, offering a path into the Nishane world that feels welcoming rather than overwhelming.





































