Aesop’s latest fragrance release, Tacit, was formulated in collaboration with perfumer Céline Barel. It was born of two key inspirations: the fresh notes found in traditional colognes; and the Mediterranean coast, for its culture, topography, and fragile, perfumed vegetation. The title refers to knowledge that is implicitly understood rather than communicated directly, and alludes to an elusive, almost indefinable quality that is more readily experienced than articulated. Vetiver Heart, whose distillation process cleans the aromatic root of its earthy aspect. In keeping with Aesop’s aesthetic preferences and Barel’s flair for innovation, Tacit is at once familiar in its Yuzu-inspired citrus notes and distinctly contemporary in liberal use of Basil Grand Vert, which lends subtle warmth with delicately spiced undertones of Clove.
Tacit a crisp and captivating Aesop fragrance
Tacit a crisp and captivating Aesop fragrance
Tacit contains an innovative blend of ingredients sourced globally, with three key ingredients dominating the fragrance profile.
Vetiver Heart: The Vetiver used by Aesop (the aromatic roots of Vetiveria zizanoides) is sourced from Haiti. Its oil is processed via fractional distillation to refine the rich, dry, woody heart, removing the rougher earthy aspect to give long-lasting depth.
Basil Oil: Aesop’s Basil Oil Grand Vert is sourced from Egypt, and extracted through hydro distillation of the leaves and stems. The green, leafy aspect of the plant is highlighted to bring freshness to Tacit’s opening notes.
Yuzu accord: A unique citrus fruit native to East Asia, Yuzu is not widely used in the food industry; so unfortunately it is not possible to obtain consistently high quality oils from the Yuzu peel itself. Céline has recreated the aromatic accord of the Yuzu fruit through a creative composition of other citrus extracts to provide an invigorating and refreshing opening of the fragrance.
Tacit is formulated as an Eau de Parfum, and packaged in a 50 mL amber glass bottle encased in an elegant box incorporating the work of Australian generative artist Jonathan McCabe. It is available at Aesop signature stores, selected department store counters and Aesop Online. RRP: HK$750
Celine Barel – Perfumer
Born and raised in Grasse, France, Celine Barel grew up surrounded by the heady aromas of Southern France, and describes herself as having been impassioned by fragrance since early childhood. She first shared her favorite sense when taking care of blind children at her primary school, turning to the olfactory world to stimulate play, imagination and knowledge. Such experiences fueled an early desire and resolve to work in the fragrance industry. Celine commenced her career when she interned in a renowned perfume house while undertaking studies towards her Master in Marketing and International Management. After graduating, she joined International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF) for her first marketing role, in Milan, and then entered the company’s perfumery school – studying in Holland, France, and the USA.
She is now based at the IFF New York Creative Center, working in Fine Fragrances. Committed to promoting the world of fragrance beyond conventional parameters, and a long- term lover of art, literature and philosophy, Celine is particularly interested in fragrance-related initiatives within the arts arena. Her collaborators to date include MOMA, Parsons, and Robert Wilson’s Watermill Center. She describes her partnership with Aesop for the creation of Tacit as ‘a meeting of two free spirits’, and this fragrance as the culmination of a first inspirational meeting in Paris in 2006.
