Style Edit: Aesop unveils its Aurner perfume with limited edition jewellery by Patcharavipa Bodiratnangkura, representing a ‘defiant bloom’ and the brand’s unorthodox approach
Known for fusing traditional Thai craftsmanship with the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, the Bangkok-based designer’s creations reflect an appreciation of imperfection and transient beauty
Vibrant citrus top notes are enriched by spicy, warm cardamom and pink pepper, complemented by herbaceous undertones of Roman camomile. The initial brightness and luminosity of magnolia leaf transitions into a geranium-forward floral heart, with base notes of rich sandalwood, cypriol heart and cedar heart, producing a textured aroma.
Derived from an Old Norse verb meaning “adorned or embellished with flowers”, the fragrance’s name encapsulates its essence. The invigorating blend communicates an assertion of individuality bound to resonate with those meant to wear it.
Inspired by Aurner’s emotive qualities, Bodiratnangkura has produced an exquisite, one-of-a-kind necklace for the fragrance’s campaign, as well as a limited edition ear cuff. “I see jewellery as a sensory experience, but it is always missing taste and smell,” she notes, adding that Aurner is the type of fragrance she would naturally gravitate towards. “I like the dark, mysterious woody aroma, yet at the same time, refreshing bloom.”
Robust yet delicate, the design of Bodiratnangkura’s necklace echoes Aurner’s blend of metallic and floral notes. In a similar vein, the sculptural ear cuff – inspired by the magnolia – symbolises strength and purity. “We added rhodium plating over the silver to showcase an intense shine, but also to give the piece the attitude of being delicate and strong at the same time,” the designer explains. The cuff is limited to 200 pieces, available at select Aesop stores, including in Hong Kong.
Aesop’s intention with the ear cuff is to showcase one of Aurner’s key ingredients, the magnolia, in a bespoke keepsake. Bodiratnangkura notes that the magnolia leaf ingredient on which the piece is based symbolises Aesop’s defiant, unorthodox approach to fragrance creation.
Meanwhile, the magnolia has always been a symbol of power and purity for Bodiratnangkura. “When one thinks about designs derived from florals, one might think of something feminine or overtly sweet. [But] I see them as something very sculptural, very strong, and naturally perfect,” she says. “When Aesop approached me and introduced Aurner Eau de Parfum as a defiant bloom, this felt very aligned with my own interpretation of flowers.”