In the ever-evolving world of perfumery, innovation and creativity often come from unexpected places. A decade after launching Tacit, a citrusy fragrance, Aesop is set to debut Aurner, its latest creation by renowned French perfumer Céline Barel. This new floral composition challenges traditional notions of scent, blending modernity with elegance. The perfume's name, derived from an Old Norse verb meaning "to be adorned," perfectly encapsulates the essence of this unique blend. With ingredients like magnolia leaf, cardamom, and Roman chamomile, Aurner promises to offer a fresh take on floral fragrances. The story behind its creation reveals a deep connection between art, nature, and personal expression.

The Birth of Aurner: A Journey Through Time and Creativity

In the heart of Paris, during a crisp autumn afternoon, Céline Barel sat down at Aesop’s Rue de Sevres store to discuss her second collaboration with the brand. Ten years have passed since she first introduced Tacit, and now, Aurner stands as a testament to her evolving artistic vision. Unlike Tacit's zesty notes, Aurner takes inspiration from floral elements but avoids conventional choices. Instead, it features magnolia leaves as its centerpiece, accompanied by cardamom, pink pepper, cedarwood, and Roman chamomile, creating a subtle yet complex aroma that defies expectations. The scent has been described as both "subversive" and "defiant," reflecting Aesop's commitment to pushing boundaries in design and fragrance. To celebrate the launch, Bangkok-based jewelry designer Pattaraphan Salirathavibhaga crafted a limited edition rhodium-plated silver ear cuff inspired by Aurner, adding a visual dimension to the olfactory experience.

Barel's journey in perfumery began in Grasse, a town famous for its rich history in fragrance production. Growing up surrounded by scents, she developed an early fascination with perfumes, collecting miniature bottles and learning about their compositions. Her education led her to study chemistry, eventually landing her a place at International Flavors and Fragrances' prestigious perfumery school in Italy. After training for three years, she moved to New York, where she spent 16 years honing her craft before returning to Paris. Her meeting with Dennis Paphitis, founder of Aesop, marked the beginning of a long and fruitful collaboration. Their shared love for literature, philosophy, and unconventional beauty laid the foundation for Tacit and later Aurner. For Aurner, Barel drew inspiration from Nina Simone's melancholic song "Lilac Wine," aiming to capture the tension between depth and delicacy. She chose magnolia leaves over petals, adding a metallic nuance through chamomile, and created a woody background with patchouli, cedarwood, and sandalwood to ensure longevity and complexity. Aurner represents not just a fragrance but a narrative, shaped by years of exploration and refinement.

From a reader's perspective, Aurner's launch offers more than just a new scent; it symbolizes the fusion of tradition and innovation in perfumery. Barel's approach to creating Aurner challenges us to rethink what floral fragrances can be. By using unconventional ingredients and drawing inspiration from diverse sources, she invites us to explore new dimensions of scent. Aurner reminds us that beauty lies in the unexpected, urging us to embrace strangeness as a necessary ingredient in our pursuit of aesthetic experiences. This fragrance serves as a reminder that true innovation comes from challenging norms and exploring uncharted territories, whether in art or life.