The art of fragrance is an exercise in contrast—light and shadow, delicacy and power, fleeting notes and lingering depth. Aesop’s latest olfactory creation, Aurner Eau de Parfum, embodies this duality with poetic precision. At its heart, an unexpected bloom: Magnolia Leaf, a crisp and herbaceous departure from the sultry florals often associated with perfumery. This is a fragrance that resists easy categorisation, where botanical freshness collides with raw, woody depth, and softness meets an unyielding edge.
The name itself—Aurner—draws from Anglo-Norman origins, meaning ‘to be adorned or embellished with flowers.’ It is an apt descriptor for a scent that enrobes the wearer in quiet but unrelenting presence. Developed in collaboration with long-time Aesop perfumer Céline Barel, Aurner is an exercise in olfactory defiance—challenging conventions while remaining deeply attuned to Aesop’s signature aromatic language.
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Barel, a long-time contributor to Aesop’s olfactory universe, was given a brief that embraced contrasts and unconventional inspirations. The development process was guided by an abstract set of references—from the poetry of Li Qingzhao and the song ‘Lilac Wine’ by Nina Simone to the colour gradients of jade sculptures and a photograph of the moon taken by the Great Refractor of the Lick Observatory. These elements informed a fragrance that is luminous yet grounded, ethereal yet powerful.
Central to Aurner’s composition is Magnolia Leaf, a departure from the more familiar floral note of Magnolia Flower. Unlike its fruitier, spicier counterpart, the leaf carries a crisp, green, and aromatic freshness—somewhere between a crushed leaf and lavender. This distinctive choice aligns seamlessly with Aesop’s olfactory signature, which favors herbaceous, botanical, and woody notes over traditional sweetness. Supporting the Magnolia Leaf is Roman Chamomile, which introduces a metallic sharpness that bridges the floral delicacy with a more robust, camphoraceous depth. The result is a fragrance that does not conform to traditional floral archetypes, but rather subverts them.
Barel carefully balanced these elements to create a scent of unexpected tension. The floral top notes are given weight and structure through the inclusion of Cedar Heart and Sandalwood, while a unique fraction of Patchouli lends a cool, almost mineral-like edge. This interplay of textures ensures that Aurner is neither overtly soft nor aggressively bold, but rather a harmonious fusion of both.
To further materialise Aurner’s theme of contrast and adornment, Aesop collaborated with Bangkok-based jewelry designer Patcharavipa Bodiratnangkura to create a limited-edition ear cuff. Inspired by the Magnolia Leaf, the cuff is both delicate and strong, a sculptural expression of Aurner’s duality. Like the fragrance, the jewellery piece is designed to be worn against the skin, forming an intimate and tactile connection with the wearer.
In keeping with Aesop’s commitment to inclusivity, Aurner is a fragrance without gender, echoing the historical traditions of floral scents worn by all. Barel reflects on how cultures across time have embraced florals beyond binary definitions—whether in Middle Eastern attars or ancient Indian perfumery. The floral-woody structure of Aurner follows this philosophy, inviting anyone drawn to its quiet boldness to make it their own.
By weaving together botanical elegance, unconventional inspirations, and a fearless approach to composition, Aesop and Barel have crafted a scent that lingers not just on the skin, but in the mind—a defiant bloom thriving in its own singular beauty.
