Aesop’s Virere Eau de Parfum leads thoughts into reverie, conjuring images of moments spent below a sunlit canopy-the leaves swayed by a fragrant breeze. The name Virere comes from the Latin verb for “to be green’ or “to be full of life’, echoing the buoyant character of the aroma, which is rooted in the restorative nature of the outdoors.
During the formulation process, long-term fragrance collaborator Barnabé Fillion drew on holiday memories of the Mediterranean, from cycling beside orchards to preparing a morning cup of tea below an arbour of fig trees; moments of treasured simplicity that replenish and restore. With key notes of Bergamot, Fig, and Green Tea, it sits within the Fresh fragrance family, yet as with all of Aesop’s Eaux de Parfum, it flouts simplistic classifications with nuance and noncorhormity.
Echoing how memories return to us in non-linear, unexpected forms, Virere blends an intricate range of notes to defy the conventions of a classic Fresh aroma. Woven through its top, heart and base notes, a series of accords conjure the many aspects of fig-from rich woodiness to sumptuous verdancy and sun-warmed citrus. The first arrive via Galbanum and Petitgrain, which capture a distinctly green aroma, further enlivened by sparkling Bergamot.
The heart notes hold warmer herbaceous depths, with Green Tea, Mastic and sprightly Pink Pepper suggesting a steaming cup of tea infused with fresh fig. The evocation extends with aromas of Cedar, Green Maté and Hay—a woody base with a mineral edge that lends a luxuriant vegetal richness.
Much as visiting an Aesop store can be a tranquil, restorative experience amid the bustle of the city-be it thanks to the serving of tea, muted lighting or spatial order-Virere Eau de Parfum treads a path away from the hectic everyday and into the sun-dappled grounds of a radiant reminiscence.
Vivere Eau De Parfum will be available on 2nd September at Aesop signature stores and online.