A time to embrace
As the festive season approaches, Aesop’s uniquely sensorial—and sometimes surprising—manner of gift giving comes to the fore with a collection of Gift Kits inspired by a universal feeling: that intermingling of anticipation and excitement as the moment of being together gets closer and closer. This sentiment is evoked in a film directed by Elena Heatherwick that recounts one family’s journey—by train, on foot, through snow—to be with each other for the season.
Checking in The Aesop Valise
As the film begins, a silver suitcase is lifted onto the train’s luggage rack. This is no ordinary carry-on. It is The Aesop Valise: a most sizeable offering that holds thirteen aromatic and unexpected gifts. The intention is for its drawers to be revealed day by day, as the festive moment draws near—or all at once in a rush of excitement.
Shining examples
Similarly lustrous in appearance, this year two of Aesop’s most enduring formulations—Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm and Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash—will be available in limited-release, seasonal editions. The former is presented in a striking silver tube, while the latter comes carefully stowed in its own metal case, and wrapped in furoshiki cloth.
For the homeward bound
In keeping with the theme of returning home, two new additions for interior spaces are revealed.
The Diaphos is a hand-blown amber-glass candle holder that transforms an Aromatique Candle into a glowing lantern, creating a visually and aromatically compelling centrepiece for any interior. It is a gift especially suited to dark winter evenings, where the warm light and flickering shadows evoke the fire at the heart of gatherings past: an atmospheric setting for stories, celebration and merriment.
Accompanying the Diaphos is the Brass Wick Trimmer: a conveniently curved accoutrement to maintain the optimum length of a candle wick—the precision of its ‘snip’ ensuring a more even burn. It is an offering for the meticulously inclined, and those who delight in festive gestures of preparation.
Still a lot to unpack
As befits a time of abundance, this year’s collection of seasonal gift sets is bountiful; in fact, it is Aesop’s largest to date. There are presents for the skin, the home and the senses—and for all recipients. Some are of considerable size, while others are compact enough to stow into the gaps of one’s already-full luggage.
Selections on this occasion include ‘Treasured Bonds’—featuring an Eau de Parfum and Hand Balm of one’s choosing—and ‘Sensing Excitement’, which combines Aesop’s Bronze Incense Holder and a set of Kagerou Incense Sticks. Also of particular note is ‘Rekindled Connections’, a Gift Kit comprising three miniature Aromatique Candles: a limited-release size created especially for the festive moment, ideal for when one is unsure of the recipient’s aromatic preferences.
To ensure untroubled travels en route, each curated set comes in a sturdy, silver-hued gift box, featuring an Aesopian motif. Once the contents have disembarked, it can be used to keep other collected objects all together.
For those wishing to discover these limited-release gifts, including The Aesop Valise, no lengthy journey through snow-covered vistas should be necessary. The complete collection is available globally, both in-store and online.
‘Happiness seems made to be shared.’ Pierre Corneille
