‘Come wander with me, for the moonbeams are bright / On river and forest, o’er mountain and lea.’ Charles Jefferys

Marking its second collaboration with the Singapore Night Festival, Aesop presents ‘Scents of Being,’ an olfactory installation that delves into the intricate relationship between scent and self. Running from 23 August to 7 September 2024 at the National Design Centre, this immersive showcase celebrates the festival’s theme, ‘Art of Play,’ and the rich heritage of the Bras Basah.Bugis precinct.

Each day, enveloped in a kaleidoscope of aromas, we breathe in the subtleties and stories shaped by our surroundings. Scent encourages us to engage with the world on a deeply emotional level—blurring the present with the past and transporting our minds to uncharted territories. Any predilection for a particular scent echoes one’s past experiences, inherent inclinations, and the ephemeral moods of the moment, all resonating with the multifaceted layers of human complexity and identity.

‘Scents of Being’ pays homage to this visceral connection. Nestled within the restored complex, a mystical forest of arboreal structures, softly illuminated from within, beckons visitors to explore Aesop’s range of Eaux de Parfum. Each scent—whether inspired by myth, poetry, art, or nature— acts as a guiding light in the forest, sparking curiosity and illuminating paths to new horizons. Among these unconventional aromas lies the newest addition to Aesop’s fragrance range—Virēre Eau de Parfum. Buoyant and fresh, it conjures a yearning for bygone summers—inspired by warm days bathed in sunlight, wandering among leafy surrounds.

This sensory journey invites a playful return to the whimsical spirit of childhood and the nostalgia of folklore stories, encouraging visitors to reconnect with their sense of wonder and curiosity.

‘We are delighted to return to the Singapore Night Festival as we continue our exploration of space and experiential design as way of engaging the olfactive sense, body and mind,’ says Aesop’s Creative Director Aï Kato. ‘May our visitors find calm and delight in a sensual experience where the nose is one’s guide.’

The Singapore Night Festival is an annual celebration of the city’s vibrant cultural heritage and artistic expression. This year, marking its 15th edition, the festival extends its festivities from 23 August to 7 September, offering three weekends of art, music, and entertainment. Held in the Bras Basah.Bugis Precinct, Singapore’s arts and heritage district, the festival transforms historic streets into a luminous canvas of light installations, improvisational theatre, aerial performances, and film screenings.

Scent of Being runs from 23rd August to 7th September 2024 at the National Design Centre. More information available here