Aesop’s newest Virēre eau de parfum hopes to evoke summer nostalgia and the energy of the Mediterranean —and perfumer Barnabé Fillion explains exactly how.
Aesop introduces its latest fragrance, the Virēre eau de parfum, a verdant celebration of nature’s fleeting moments, inspired by the poetic act of steeping green tea under a fig tree. Crafted by renowned perfumer Barnabé Fillion, the scent weaves together memories of Mediterranean summers, invoking nostalgia and a sense of calm. Virēre, meaning “to be green, to show green growth,” epitomises the essence of summer with its rich botanical notes and herbal complexity, offering wearers a sophisticated, unisex fragrance that is both refreshing and familiar.
The inspiration behind Virēre is rooted in Fillion’s love for green tea and his fascination with fig trees. “There’s something poetic to me about taking time to be under the tree and making the right tea,” Fillion shares. The scent is not just about capturing a singular moment, but about celebrating the subtle transformations that happen through time. “The fragrance expresses the green tea and the first steam that rises from it, balanced by the scent of fresh figs,” he elaborates, linking the tea ceremony’s sophistication with the everyday familiarity of a fig tree in summer.
Fillion’s creative process for Virēre was one of exploration and innovation. “Sourcing the essence of tea was a challenge,” he admits. Using CO2 extraction technology, the team managed to capture the scent of green tea at its most authentic, preserving its aromatic, herbaceous character. This meticulous process allowed Fillion to create a fragrance that honors the delicacy of green tea while balancing it with the richness of fig. He also explains the difficulty in representing the fig leaves’ peppery and lactic notes: “We had to recreate this effect in the fragrance by combining elements of spice, such as pink pepper, and herbaceous notes from green maté.”
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Virēre opens with sparkling top notes of Bergamot, Green Mandarin, and Petitgrain, which Fillion describes as “green and vibrant.” These citrus notes mingle with the unmistakable green of galbanum, bringing forth the aroma of a fig tree’s leaves. The heart of the fragrance evolves into a blend of green tea, cardamom, and pink pepper, reminiscent of the tea’s infusion process. As the fragrance settles, the base notes—cedar, green maté, and hay—evoke a deeper, woodier warmth, transforming the fresh tea into a comforting, herbal aroma.
The fragrance appeals to those who seek a sophisticated scent that transcends gender. Fillion notes that Virēre resonates with people who hold a nostalgic connection to summer and nature. “It’s not simply a watery or beach-inspired fragrance,” he explains. “It evokes landscapes and leaves, memories of Mediterranean summers, and the simple pleasure of time spent in nature.”
Fillion’s approach to fig in this fragrance is particularly distinct. “Most fig fragrances focus on the sweet fruit,” he says, “but with Virēre, we explored every part of the fig tree—its leaves, its wood, and even the green skin of the fruit—creating a much fresher and more complex composition.”
Ultimately, Virēre Eau de Parfum offers a moment of quiet reflection, much like the experience of sipping tea under a tree. Fillion hopes that wearers will feel a sense of calm and peace, transported to their own cherished memories of summer.
To shop the new Virēre Eau de Parfum and to learn more about the fragrance, head over to malaysia.aesop.com
