I rarely talk about shops opening here and there but I wanted to share this one, because I’d been waiting for this store to re-open in the city for so long.
Ken’s Apothecary opened in Bangsar, KL sometime back in 2000. Their store used to be along the row of shops facing where Bangsar Village 2 now stands and I remember then, reading about it in the newspaper.
Anyway, I was young and impressionable and for some reason, I was drawn to the article. It might have been the name – Ken’s Apothecary – because really, how many of us actually hear the word “apothecary” bandied about these days? It was old world and I liked that. Unlike apothecaries, which are essentially pharmacies, this one had a very narrow niche with a focus on niche and luxury fragrances and brands. I was introduced in the newspaper article to the likes of Annick Goutal, T. LeClerc and Laura Mercier, to name just a few brands that was carried in store. Brands whose names were alien to me at that point.
Someday, I told myself, I’d visit this store which I had built up in my head to be an Aladdin’s cave of wonders. I did, a couple of years later.
I went in there looking for the iconic T. leClerc Banane loose powder (goodness! One of my earliest reviews – although I have to say my rambling style has never changed :P) and I remember the hushed, fragrant surroundings which was intimidating to a young girl out armed with a small paycheck, hoping to pick up something nice. I didn’t pick up anything then as they were out of stock, but I remember being taken in by the Annick Goutal fragrances because of the pretty ribbed bottles all lined up against the wall.
I did eventually pick up the T. leClerc Banane powder (and if you have a lot of redness in your skin, this is an excellent colour correcting powder that controls oil too) and I told myself I’d save up for an Annick Goutal fragrance because I liked the bottle. Yeah, sue me 😛 However, the store was closed a while later and although I saw the various niche brands pop up in stand alone stores and in department stores, it wasn’t quite the same as when I first saw them together in a hushed, fragrant store.
Ken Lim, whose name fronts what is now KENSApothecary (with a spanking new logo and simplified new incarnation of the store name), admitted that he had been a little ahead of his time when he first set up the store. He had modelled the store after the likes of Space NK and the Barney’s Apothecary, both of which also carry niche, luxury brands. Back in early 2000 the local market was not quite ready for cult brands and niche fragrances, and a multi-brand store. I don’t even know if people were all that keen on these things, to start. What people wanted to do was conform, and big global brands gave that sense of security. Also, the high prices were a little scary. They certainly scared me. I remember thinking “Crap! I’m going to have to blow half my paycheck on this bottle of perfume!” before slowly backing away.
So, although Ken’s Apothecary (the store) went into hibernation I’m glad they have made a comeback. I’m also glad that Ken persevered through the years, keeping the niche luxury brands in the market and growing them quietly and grooming them to be household names, until we were ready to have them all together under one roof again. Their first store in recent times is at Empire Shopping Gallery but that’s too far for me to bother getting to, so when they opened their store at Bangsar Village 2, I was really pleased about it.
Dr. Brandt, Caudalie, Creed, Annick Goutal and Diptyque – just 5 brands available
I attended the store opening a couple of weeks back, and it made me feel a little nostalgic. I first went into their store in Bangsar a naive young girl wide-eyed with wonder at the exotic names carried in the store, clutching my wallet, counting my pennies; and this time, I was going back in their store in Bangsar, a little older, a lot more savvy, and armed with a little more knowledge so the names in store weren’t quite as exotic nor as alien anymore 🙂 I was still clutching my wallet though – couldn’t have my credit card whipping itself into a frenzy 😛
This time, I didn’t have to feel as intimidated about prices because you can actually get things in there for under RM50. I’m told the Caudalie hand cream and lip balm fall into this category. When KENSApothecary took over the distribution of REN Skincare, they dropped the prices a little. Ken promises we will see more brands come in, perhaps with a little more wallet friendly prices to cater to a wider customer base. One of the new brands due to arrive in July/August 2013 is Lipstick Queen, a popular Australian brand of lipsticks. I can’t wait to check it out because I’ve been told they’re very good! (You know I love my lippies :D)
The open concept of the store makes it feel more welcoming and less intimidating overall. But as I remembered, it is still beautifully perfumed, this time with Diptyque, the newest range of niche fragrances carried in store 🙂
Diptyque candles and fragrances greet you at the entrance
The store at BVII is a little small and not all brands are represented – Laura Mercier isn’t for one, but the counter is just downstairs along with Dr. Sebagh. In store, you can find Creed, Annick Goutal, Diptyque, Caudalie, REN, Dr. Brandt and a teeny tiny section of T. leClerc cosmetics. I almost squealed when I saw it because boy, did it bring back memories! 😀 They do still sell Banane, if you’re wondering. The store at Empire Shopping Gallery is larger, if I recall correctly.
Yes, you can get a small selection of T.leClerc cosmetics in store!
I’ve always associated KENSApothecary with a luxurious, slightly more up-market image so I’m quite pleased that some brands that I’ve grown to enjoy using, are now carried here. It will be interesting to see what else comes in – other than Lipstick Queen, I’m assured we’ll be seeing some exciting times ahead with new brands, more products and even a couple of new stores popping up.
Does anyone remember the early Ken’s Apothecary store?
Some of the brands found in store can be found at different department stores but its nice to have them all in one place. Its like going shopping at Sephora – on a more luxurious scale 🙂
Paris B
KENSApothecary stores are at Empire Shopping Gallery and Bangsar Village 2 and online at kensapothecary.com.my
Juan says
I remember very clearly of Ken back in 1999 when he got in the Aesop skincare sold in Sonny San’s (now Eclipse) store in 1Utama. He also brought in some small range of Peter Thomas Roth and he was very excited about the products. He personally spoke to shoppers who came to the store to buy sonny san’s clothings to kind of educate us ladies the benefits of those 2 skincare brands, apparently way better than those luxurious brands we are so used to. Like u, I was just out of uni in my 1st job, didnt have much dough to spend but very serious about having good skincare. Everytime I was there I would see Ken there, always so bubbly and cheerful ready to tell people about his brands of skincare that he brought in to Malaysia.
When he opened his own boutiques, I was surprised that all those time I had spoken to an entrepreneur, not just a business man. Like u, I discovered Laura Mercier (at that time in 2001, very expensive for me) magical loose powder and other brands that I couldn’t really afford hehe. Glad that he has re-opened his apothecary in Bangsar but I think he still owns Laura Mercier and Aesop if I’m not mistaken.
Paris B says
I don’t remember the Aesop days but you’re right about Ken being so enthusiastic about the bands he carries. I have met him a few times and each time, it never ceases to amaze me how pleasant, friendly and humble he is, despite his success. I’m always happy to support someone with that sort of attitude! He still carries Laura Mercier but I’m not too sure about Aesop. I think they may be now owned separately although it was still under Ken’s till last year.
lyn says
Very nostalgic! I remembered first visiting Ken’s in Bangsar back in 2000 and fell in love with L’Artisan (which they used to sell) and Annick Goutal. I purchased Mimosa Pour Moi and it was one of my most precious perfumes. They even had Demeter and Becca back then! Of course I bought TLC’s loose powders too and I think I still have Chair Rosee and Traslucide sitting around somewhere. I gave Banane to my sister because everyone needs Banane 😉
Paris B says
You’re right, Lyn. Everyone needs Banane and at that time, it was THE powder! I’m glad we have the same beautiful memories. I remember Becca too! Owned a few items from there until they were eventually discontinued locally.
Hanny Daforcena says
I only remember the one at Empire Subang. I rarely step inside though ^.^
I do have a fond memory of that little outlet, actually. Back then I was looking for a job to pass the time after my A Levels and I decided to try out for a job as an SA for that very shop. I had to go all the way to Solaris Mont. Kiara for the interview and I remember seeing all those ads for Aesop, Annick Goutal and Laura Mercier heh heh heh. Too bad I didn’t get the job though, they were looking for permanent staff members 😉
Paris B says
I found the one at Empire a bit intimidating >.< when I was there, I didn't step in either. Sorry to hear you didn't manage to get a temp job with them. I think it would have been an interesting place to work!
joopah says
This was a trip down memory lane for me too. I too remember saving up to afford the Banane at their first store in Bangsar :-D. I’m glad they have re-opened. I will certainly check the store out.
Paris B says
Haha I think all our ages are telling, eh Joopah? 😉 Banane brings backs all sorts of early makeup memories for me. The store is definitely worth a visit.
lisa says
oooh….i remembered one of my main draw of visiting KL more than 10 yrs ago was to visit Ken’s Apothecary!! It was one of my first face to face experience with niche products back then.
Paris B says
Gosh Lisa! I think Ken would be thrilled to hear this! 😀 I think its great that we have someone with enough vision to bring in niche brands. It must be hard peddling it to the public who are going “Annick who?”
Ika Roseworn says
I used to spend a small fortune on the Becca foundation (can’t remember which one) but I used it till the last drop as it was ver-ry expensive. And the Peter Thomas Roth eye cream! Never found anything else as good. I was excited he brought in all these cult brands! I thought, finally! KL is IN!! Mehhh. Was a lil bummed when he closed shop. I’m glad he’s back coz he knows his brands alright!
Paris B says
Peter Thomas Roth is now at Sephora I believe. I saw it there last time I was there 🙂 I had a couple of items from Becca too. They were quite nice although a bit unexciting. And I’ll agree fully with you about Ken knowing his brands. I used to look to them for the niche brands. I’m happy that I now can do so again! Can’t wait to see what else is coming in 😉
LeGeeque says
ME! ME! ME! I remember it in 1 Utama because that’s where I got my very first undereye concealer – the secret concealer by LauraMercier. What a world of wonders that concealer did for me. At that time, I’d just returned to Malaysia after uni/work and was fortunate to land a decent-paying job. I was so close to getting Love in White by Creed for my wedding! I then got swayed by other brands and by the time I left Malaysia, I didn’t even know it’s already closed. I’m glad he’s back. It’s one of my very favourite places to be in. I’m pleased to hear he’ll be carrying Lipstick Queen too! Poppy King’s story is an inspiring one 😉
Paris B says
I love how we remember the same things even if not the same places! 🙂 it’s great to know that even before we knew each other we were already hanging out in the same places, watching the same brands! Haha! I’m excited to know we’re getting Lipstick Queen too. I’d heard so much about the brand!
Lily says
I wasn’t back in Malaysia at that time, but even if I was, I might not have stepped in. My adventure with the world of beauty started when I was pregnant with my first child. I have to remember this store when I visit KL next though 🙂
Paris B says
Do visit, if only for the experience 🙂 I love looking and playing with niche brands!
Jennifer says
High 5 on the Ken’s Apothecary name. I remember back then I was still in school and having read of the opening of this store with an exquisite name carrying legendary brands which are pricey, I was curious. I looked up the term apothecary in the dictionary and thought ahh such traditional branding concept of the store which I liked. Fast forward many years, I still have not walked into this store to purchase anything. The more exclusive the brands that they carry, the more expensive it will be I guess. I have walked past it a couple of times at BV and thought the humble open concept was not as intimidating that I had thought. Lol. Until recently, your review piqued my interest on Ren and Caudalie, I guess paying them a visit and clutching my wallet closely is not a bad idea after all 🙂 Thanks for this write up. Like a rekindled old friend…
Paris B says
Oh girl, you were still in school! Now I feel positively ancient! Lol 😀 it is quite true about exclusivity coming with a bigger price tag. I find that most true in fragrances. But now that Kens has diversified a little into the slightly more mass accepted brands like Caudalie and REN, their prices aren’t as prohibitive any more. Do pay them a visit if only for the experience and who knows what treasures you may find in that Aladdin’s cave! 😉
Stephanie/Yukaeshi says
Ah I remember they used to have a store in 1 Utama. It was next to Parkson, though I forgot if it was the 2nd or 3rd floor. I remember Creed fragrances and giving them a try though I wasn’t taken enough to purchase one!
I still do frequent the Empire outlet whenever I do go there (I rarely if hardly ever step into Subang at all) for T. LeClerc. Though the Banane pressed powder is almost always out of stock! Haven’t been back in a while now though 😛
Paris B says
Nice to know you remember them too 🙂 I had heard so much about Creed but never really smelled them. The bottles do look interesting and really large! I was told the T.leclerc selection is very small and limited, even if they do stock them. When I was using it, I preferred the loose Banane to the pressed one. For some reason, the pressed one was really caked on me 🙁 it was nice to know we can still get the brand here.
Kel says
The problem with this shop is that they do not stock refills for Petite Cherie! I still have to go back to the BSC Annick Goutal shop to get the refill! *sigh* Sorry about the rant..i happened to be there on Saturday looking for my refill….aint my lucky day… 😛
Paris B says
Ah that isn’t fun at all! But I was in the BSC AG store last week and its an amazing place! I could be wrong but I think Isetan KLCC sells refills too. I remember seeing some plain packaging when I was there last.