A scent that summons the interior self

March 30, 2023

‘Gloam is a horizontal portal to self-observation. It is inspired by the act of lying down: when we are vertical, we feel the force of gravity on the body, but somehow too, the lightness of the spirit. This gives the mind a freedom to observe nothing but itself.’ - Barnabé Fillion

The quietude that comes from rest, as the outside world recedes, allowing thoughts to turn inwards: this is the imaginary landscape conjured by Gloam Eau de Parfum. Its complex tapestry of rich, warm spice interwoven with lighter spice and floral notes simultaneously evokes interior worlds of an antique charm and hypothetical realms of limitless potential.

Much like a warm breeze through drapes, fresh Neroli and its sweeter counterpart Orange Flower combine with the pollen-like scent of Mimosa, rich, warm notes of Rose, Narcissus and Jasmine Sambac and the herbal quality of Maté. This soft, verdant pasture plays host to more potent and piquant accords supplied by Pink Pepper and Cardamom—aromas evocative of the spice routes that formed the early discursive avenues interconnecting the globe.

Grounding the scent is a sumptuous bed of Patchouli, Copaiba and Sandalwood that lends a powdery and tactile finish. This cotton-like aroma provides the most memorable and distinctive of Gloam Eau de Parfum’s many varied moments, its unmistakable presence conspiring with the other notes to form a scent that is unorthodox even by Aesop’s standards. Apt, given its presence in the Othertopias collection—also comprising Miraceti, Karst, Erémia and Eidesis—which was intended to challenge the creative boundaries of personal scent.

These five fragrances, inspired by various by-ways and in-between states—be those physical or psychic—are the co-creation of Aesop and the brand’s long-term fragrance collaborator, Barnabé Fillion, whose approach favours the impressionistic to create scents that are highly susceptible to body chemistry, emerging unique to each wearer.

Gloam is the ninth Eau de Parfum in Aesop’s Fragrance range, which also includes Rōzu Eau de Parfum as well as Aesop’s Classic Fragrances: Marrakech Intense, Tacit and Hwyl Eaux de Parfum. Gloam Eau de Parfum is packaged in a 50mL amber glass bottle and encased in a carton featuring artwork by Belfast-based painter Jack Coulter.

Gloam Eau de Parfum is the fifth installment of Othertopias, a collection of fragrances inspired by spaces both real and imagined. Centred on the Divan—a horizontal portal for self-observation—Gloam conjures the dreamscape, where imagination enters, and the waking world recedes. Here the familiar collides with the uncanny, in a fragrance that blends the tangible and the illusive: rich florals, warm spice and a bed of wooded depths combine to invoke reverie, rousing the senses and enchanting the mind.

An arresting first impression of spice characterises the opening accords of Gloam, one composed of Pink Pepper and Cardamom and softened by the fresh florals of Neroli and its sweeter counterpart, Orange Flower. This is followed by aromatic spice notes of Saffron and Clove, that unfurl alongside herbal Maté, heady Narcissus and pollen-like Mimosa. Warmth from Rose and Jasmine Sambac lend a roundness to the spicy floral heart. At its base, Gloam is a sumptuous and powdery blend of Iris, Patchouli, Copaiba and Sandalwood that delivers unexpected tactility and comfort.

Gloam has been created in partnership with Aesop's long-term fragrance collaborator Barnabé Fillion. As with all fragrances, individual body chemistry contributes to the overall impression, allowing for the creation of a ‘personal’ variation for each wearer.

Fillion is the creative mind behind the Othertopias collection, whose inspiration he describes thus: ‘A smell, whether in the air, on our skin, or on our clothes, creates a world within our world that is both physical and imagined—a phenomenon that blurs the boundaries of past and present, real and unreal, here and there. A window into nature, so to speak, one that invites a dialogue with surroundings that we inhabit but often overlook.’

The first Othertopias Eaux de Parfum—Miraceti, Karst and Erémia—were launched in 2021. Eidesis was released in 2022, with one last act to follow after Gloam in 2023. Gloam is the ninth Eau De Parfum in Aesop’s Fragrance range, which also includes Rōzu Eau de Parfum as well as Aesop’s Classic Fragrances: Marrakech Intense, Tacit and Hwyl Eaux de Parfum. Gloam Eau de Parfum is packaged in a 50mL amber glass bottle and encased in a carton featuring artwork by Belfast-based painter Jack Coulter.

RRP: PHP 9,300.00 / 50 mL

About Aesop
Aesop was established in Melbourne in 1987. Our objective has always been to formulate products of the finest quality. This includes skin, body, and hair care, as well as fragrance and accessories for self and space. Through the lens of our Ethical Sourcing Policy, we explore widely to source plant-based and laboratory-made ingredients and use only those with a proven record of safety and efficacy. All Aesop products are vegan, and we do not test our formulations or ingredients on animals. We are proud to be Leaping Bunny approved, and to be included on PETA's cruelty-free and vegan lists. Aesop is proudly a Certified B Corporation®. Our products are available at Aesop.com, signature stores in many major cities, department store counters, and in shared spaces around the world.