If there is one quality that Aesop epitomises, it’s intentionality. It’s there, evident yet subtly reflected by every facet of the Melbourne-born brand, from their precise product formulations for skin, hair and body to the tranquil designs of their storefronts. The same can be said of Aesop’s range of personal fragrances. With their characteristic methodical nature, Aesop is driven by passion when it comes to the world of scent.
“Aesop’s fragrances were first developed to complement [our existing] products,’ the brand recalls. ‘[This was] following frequent conversations with customers about their enjoyment of the aromatic qualities of our formulations.”Almost twenty-five years later, Aesop’s collection of scents has evolved into the full-bodied repertoire of fragrances it is today.
Forgo all expectations
An experimental approach continues to define Aesop’s scent formulations.
“[We seek] to experiment with aroma, eschewing typical archetypes and assumptions,” the brand asserts. Their long-time collaborations with esteemed French perfumers Barnabé Fillion and Céline Barel have led to genderless scents that are as nuanced, distinctive and sophisticated as the inspirations behind them.
Just consider the cues, spanning place, person and memory, behind each Eaux de Parfum.
There’s Marrakech Intense, an evolution of Aesop’s earliest fragrance and the result of an inaugural collaboration with Fillion. Its rich notes heed the Ochre City’s warmth and intensity, from the aromas of Moroccan spice dishes to the vibrancy of souks. Meanwhile, Tacit was formulated in partnership with Barel. Drawing upon the fresh notes of traditional colognes, the perfume was inspired by the Mediterranean coast’s culture, topography and fragile vegetation.
This is but the tip of Aesop’s olfactive iceberg. The full Eaux de Parfum range traverses references as non-conformist and diverse as Japan’s ancient Hinoki forests, to the life and works of Modernist designer Charlotte Perriand.
Summer, encapsulated
As the latest addition to Aesop’s world of Eaux de Parfum—the eleventh, to be exact—arrives Virēre.
At once distinctly fresh and verdant, yet interwoven with a rich woodiness and sprightly citrus notes, it immediately evokes sun-warmed fruits, fragrant fig trees and green tea. Fillion returns to collaborate with Aesop on the scent, drawing upon non-linear memories of holidays spent in the Mediterranean for inspiration.
Sundrenched vistas, fragrant summer breezes—simplistic, hazy impressions such as these were key. In particular, a recalled morning spent below a sunlit canopy stood out. “There is something poetic to me about taking time to be under the fig tree and to make the right tea,” Fillion muses.“Each time I think about the fragrance, I see myself in this moment, or during time spent cycling on little roads lined with fragrant trees that perfume the air.”
Sublimely fresh, green and woody it may be, but expected it is not. Characteristic of all Eaux de Parfum, Virēre is an intricate journey—in this instance, through the myriad aspects of fig. Accompanying the most prominent notes of bergamot, fig and green tea, a series of accords including galbanum, pink pepper and cedar is arrived at. A blend as non-linear as the memories behind it.
A fragrant respite
Subtle complexities may abound in Aesop’s scents themselves, but minimalists need not fear.
To step inside any Aesop store—from London’s Regent Street to Shanghai’s Dongping Road—is to find yourself in a reposeful oasis away from exterior bustle. Such a sanctuary can be found nestled in the heart of the ION Orchard shopping centre.
Imagined as a tribute to Singapore’s cherished communal void decks, Aesop ION’s third rendition is utterly soothing. There’s the circular window, reminiscent of a traditional void deck opening, offering a glimpse within. Once inside, a horizontally structured space awaits. Here, an overarching sense of stillness, calm and expansiveness abounds.
Awash in calming mint, the main chamber feels like a peaceful haven. A path meanders past horizontal rows of Aesop’s formulations–alongside those for skin, hair and body sit a range of fragrant objects for the home. Designed to uplift the mood of any enclosed space, offerings of candles, room sprays, oil burner blends and incense are but a few of the atmospheric treasures to be encountered.
Furthermore, the luxurious Fragrance Armoire awaits. Available in selected Aesop stores across the globe (including Raffles City and Vivo City), here is where you may be fully immersed in the brand’s fragrant world. No two Armories are exactly alike, each one incorporating the architectural sensibilities and materiality of each store, but each take the form of a doored cabinet, with the brand’s world of aromas residing within. In the intimacy of this enclave, indulge your curiosities and contemplate a selection of scents.
Some Armoires also house an infusion chamber, where an item of clothing may be spritzed and thoroughly infused with your chosen fragrance.
Aesop ION’s environment is a delicate balance between sophistication and simplicity. It’s a harmony that has reverberated throughout the brand since its inception nearly four decades ago.
That aforementioned intentionality? This latest space would make for a perfect testimonial.
