Revolutionizing Fragrance: Mau, the Waxed Perfume

Moe Nakagawa's Award-Winning Design Offers a Softer, More Subtle Scent Experience

Mau, which means 'dancing like floating' in Japanese, is a waxed perfume that is distinctively Japanese in its design and presentation. The perfume is encased in washi, a traditional Japanese paper, and the packaging is adorned with a touch of watercolor to symbolize the softness of the fragrance. This innovative approach to perfume design caters to individuals who prefer a more subtle scent experience.

The unique properties of Mau lie in its composition and packaging. The perfume is created by blending wax with jojoba oil and essential oil while hot, and then pouring the mixture into a paper tube made of washi. This method, though conceptual, offers a different approach to perfume production, focusing on softness and subtlety over intensity and strength.

Mau's design and production process were not without challenges. The use of paper packaging, as opposed to plastic, was a significant hurdle due to the lower water content of wax perfume compared to its alcohol-based counterparts. However, Nakagawa's innovative approach allowed for a successful execution of this concept, resulting in a product that is as environmentally friendly as it is aesthetically pleasing.

This unique design has not gone unnoticed in the design world. Mau was awarded Silver in the A' Packaging Design Award in 2020, a prestigious accolade given to designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation. The award recognizes Mau's strong technical characteristics, remarkable artistic skill, and the positive feelings it evokes in users.

Through Mau, Nakagawa has successfully reimagined the perfume experience, offering a softer, more subtle alternative to traditional fragrances. This innovative design, coupled with its environmentally friendly packaging, makes Mau a standout in the world of fragrance design.