Aesop, a brand synonymous with intentionality, has consistently captivated the world with its meticulously crafted products for skin, hair, and body. Their fragrances, however, are a testament to their unwavering passion for the art of scent. Aesop’s fragrances were initially conceived to complement their existing product line, born from customer conversations about their appreciation for the aromatic qualities of their formulations.
Nearly twenty-five years later, Aesop’s fragrance collection has blossomed into a comprehensive repertoire of scents. Their experimental approach to fragrance formulation eschews traditional archetypes and embraces a unique perspective. Through long-standing collaborations with esteemed French perfumers Barnabé Fillion and Céline Barel, Aesop has created a range of genderless scents that are as nuanced, distinctive, and sophisticated as the inspirations behind them.
Each Eaux de Parfum tells a story, drawing inspiration from various sources – places, people, and memories. Take Marrakech Intense, for example, an evolution of Aesop’s earliest fragrance, born from a collaboration with Fillion. The scent is a rich tapestry of notes that capture the warmth and intensity of the Ochre City, from the aromas of Moroccan spice dishes to the vibrant energy of its souks. Then there’s Tacit, created in partnership with Barel. Inspired by the Mediterranean coast’s culture, topography, and fragile vegetation, it embodies the freshness of traditional colognes. This is just a glimpse into Aesop’s olfactive world, a world that embraces diverse references, from Japan’s ancient Hinoki forests to the life and works of Modernist designer Charlotte Perriand.
The latest addition to Aesop’s Eaux de Parfum collection is Virēre, the eleventh in their repertoire. This captivating scent is a harmonious blend of fresh, verdant notes, interwoven with rich woodiness and sprightly citrus accents. It instantly evokes sun-warmed fruits, fragrant fig trees, and green tea. Fillion returns to collaborate with Aesop on Virēre, drawing inspiration from his personal memories of holidays spent in the Mediterranean. Sundrenched vistas, fragrant summer breezes – these simplistic, hazy impressions were key to shaping the scent. Fillion shares, “There is something poetic to me about taking time to be under the fig tree and to make the right tea. 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.”
Virēre, like all of Aesop’s Eaux de Parfum, is an intricate journey, in this case, through the myriad facets of fig. Prominent notes of bergamot, fig, and green tea are complemented by a series of accords including galbanum, pink pepper, and cedar, creating a blend as non-linear as the memories behind it.
Aesop’s fragrance experience extends beyond the scents themselves. Stepping into any Aesop store, from London’s Regent Street to Shanghai’s Dongping Road, is like entering a tranquil oasis, a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. This sense of calm and sophistication is embodied in Aesop ION, their third rendition, located in the heart of Singapore’s ION Orchard shopping center. Inspired by Singapore’s cherished communal void decks, the store’s design is a testament to simplicity and serenity. The circular window, reminiscent of a traditional void deck opening, offers a glimpse into the store’s soothing interior. Within, a horizontally structured space awaits, radiating an overarching sense of stillness, calm, and expansiveness.
A calming mint hue washes over the main chamber, creating a peaceful haven. A path meanders past horizontal rows of Aesop’s formulations, alongside those for skin, hair, and body, sits 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 just a few of the atmospheric treasures to be encountered.
For a truly immersive fragrance experience, Aesop offers the luxurious Fragrance Armoire, available in selected stores across the globe, including Raffles City and Vivo City in Singapore. Each Armoire, while incorporating the architectural sensibilities and materiality of the specific store, takes the form of a doored cabinet, housing a world of aromas within. In the intimacy of this enclave, one can indulge their curiosities and contemplate a selection of scents. Some Armoires also house an infusion chamber, where an item of clothing can be spritzed and thoroughly infused with the chosen fragrance.
Aesop ION’s environment is a delicate balance between sophistication and simplicity, a harmony that has resonated throughout the brand since its inception nearly four decades ago. The intentionality that defines Aesop is beautifully reflected in this latest space, a testament to the brand’s unwavering commitment to creating experiences that are both aesthetically pleasing and profoundly sensorial.
