“Fresh versus warm. Vegetal versus mineral. Feminine versus masculine. Simple versus complex.”
Such are but few of the words that esteemed perfumer Céline Barel uses to describe her latest creation for Aesop, Aurner Eau de Parfum. Barel, a long-time collaborator with the brand—and the lauded nose behind its beloved Tacit Eau de Parfum—set out to concoct an entirely unconventional take on a floral fragrance, which proves anything but expected.
“Aurner has been envisioned as a nonconformist, floral fragrance embodying tensions like the fragility of the flowers versus the strength of the woods; the transparency of the bloom versus the solidity of the woods,” she elaborates.
Indeed, Aurner’s unorthodox blend sets it apart from traditional fragrances in the floral category. This carries on the nonconformist heritage that Aesop’s perfumes have come to be known for.
Subversive luminosity
Aurner opens with a distinct, lustrous brightness. The radiance of its citrus notes amalgamate with the fresh spiciness of cardamom and pink pepper, followed by the crisp aroma of key ingredient magnolia leaf.
Subverting traditional ingredients used in perfumery, Barel was deliberate in using magnolia leaf rather than the conventional flower petal. Rarely used in the fragrance industry, this unexpected component presents an alternative expression of the bloom for a “complex, bright, somehow tea-like” luminosity.
Blending with the herbaceous intensity of Roman chamomile, what unfolds is an aroma that’s at once soothing and calming within the purity of its ingredients, yet which casts a conversely bold and powerful impression. “Roman chamomile plays a key role in the fragrance, to intensify the bloom. Due to its olfactive complexity, it bridges the floral, spicy, aromatic facets together, going from top to heart of the fragrance,” shares Barel.
Finally, the fragrance’s base arrives with a deep compound featuring cedar heart, sandalwood and cypirol, grounding the intensity of the fragrance. Unisex in alignment with Aesop’s olfactive DNA—aromatic, herbaceous and woody—the final blend is an arresting result, courtesy of each thoughtfully selected ingredient that comprises it.
True to its name, borne from an Old Norse verb that means ‘to be adorned, to be embellished with flowers’, Aurner envelopes the skin in its aromatic blend.
Non-conformist DNA
Aurner joins a line-up of Aesop’s individualistic, character-driven perfumes—thoughtfully crafted olfactory statements that are non-conformist and nuanced within their blends. The full range of Aesop’s fragrances now span twelve unique perfumes, with the addition of Aurner. Across realms from floral to fresh, and woody to opulent, these classifications are challenged and redefined.
Also created by Barel, Tacit Eau de Parfum casts a fresh and green impression with notes of yuzu, vetiver heart and basil. Meanwhile, keen purveyors of other scents within the floral realm—that transcend its traditional bounds—will appreciate Rōzu Eau de Parfum, redefining rose with the intense spice and woodiness of shiso and guaiacwood. Similarly, Gloam Eau de Parfum presents an unexpected take on florals, with an unfurling of orange flower, jasmine sambac, iris and patchouli accompanied by spice accords.
Defying simple categorisation and traditional boundaries, Aesop once again presents a complex yet nuanced perfume which is entirely distinct in its fragrance family, yet reflects the brand’s unique approach to perfumery and hallmark of unconventionality in its creations.
Visit Aesop stores to discover the new fragrance or explore Aesop’s full range of fragrances.
Find out more about the new Aurner Eau de Parfum via Aesop’s website.
