VITAL VEGETATION

Green in every sense of the word. Follow Vogue Singapore's associate beauty editor to Bangkok to discover Aesop's Virere, a beguiling scent brimming with verve and vivacity.

- EMILY HENG

It was on the second day of my stay in one of Bangkok’s liveliest districts, Thonglor, that I learnt the meaning behind its name. “Molten gold,” explains a local helpfully, gesturing at the parade of cafes, boutiques and shops before me, many of which aptly reflect the splendour of its moniker. Perhaps this is why, in the midst of it all, a sanctuary constructed from wood and glass is what holds my attention. This is Aesop Thonglor, the brand’s newly opened signature store in Thailand. The atmosphere that follows my first step across the threshold is surprisingly hushed, the bustle of the streets falling away to reveal a serene oasis. Light filters through the large, open windows. The air is perfumed with the unmistakable scent of zest and verdure; my first brush with the label’s latest scent, Virēre Eau de Parfum.

Crafted by long-time perfume collaborator Barnabé Fillion, Virēre Eau de Parfum presents an unorthodox take on the distinguished fig. Facets of the fruit are meticulously showcased, with Fillion digging deep into his wealth of memories to examine his feelings surrounding the syconium. “There is something poetic to me about taking time to be under the fig tree to make the right tea,” Fillion states in a press release. “Each time I think about the fragrance, I see myself in this moment.” A distinct point in time, captured and bottled.