With such a beautiful design, and the fact that it's made in Somerset, fragrance company Ffern, had been on my radar for a while. The elegant and gentle branding represents their ethos of being vegan, cruelty free and infused. Ffern create four fragrances a year informed by the rhythms of the seasons and released at the equinox and solstice. The Spring 22 fragrance is in collaboration with Michelin-starred chef, Skye Gyngell and features a blend of delicious citrus notes, quiet florals, greens and sparkling pink peppercorn.
Ffern as a brand holds an alluring creative world with an archive of art, interviews and a podcast called 'As the Season Turns'. Released with the Spring 22 scent for example is a charming film that takes inspiration from an old Japanese folk tale about a kind old man who was able to make the trees blossom. It's short and calming with music by Ricky Eat Acid.
The packaging! Opening the fragrance feels like opening a luxurious gift. I love the neutral tones and that it is all plastic free. The tray is grown from mushroom waste and is 100% compostable.
We thoroughly enjoyed catching up with Emily, the founder of Ffern...
What does a typical day look like for you?
I wake up quite early, around 6.30am (thanks to our baby!), and put on Radio 3 – rather more soothing than Radio 4 in recent months. The view from our sitting room looks out onto trees, I like watching them change through the seasons as I do a few morning stretches - I don’t have much routine built into my day but I always feel better for starting this way. I cycle to the studio for 9.30am and spend the day testing fragrances, trialing new ingredients, preparing for the next film shoot, talking to artists we are collaborating with… I’m back home by about 6pm. I always end the day cooking and without a screen – the radio is on again, this time Radio 4.
Where’s your dream escape destination?
I love the Roseland Peninsula in Cornwall, in particular the fishing village of Portscatho. Even in the rain (and there is often rain on our holidays!) I could look at that view of the sea forever. There is also a lovely gallery there (The New Gallery) – over the years I’ve picked up a painting or two.
What’s your vice?
Dark chocolate. I was unreasonably upset when Green & Blacks discontinued their dark chocolate and sour cherry bar.
What are you listening to at the moment?
Florence + the Machine’s new songs – I can’t wait for the album to come out in May. I do listen to our podcast, ‘As the Season Turns’. Lia Leendertz, who presents it, has such a calming voice. I also like Sarah Raven’s ‘Grow, Cook, Eat, Arrange’. I’m just starting to dip my toes into gardening and it’s such a good source of inspiration.
What's your favourite thing to eat?
Fresh asparagus, straight out of the ground. With lots of butter!
What are you most curious about?
Creative processes. How to navigate, treasure and give time to your creativity. How others through the ages have done the same. And just the lives others have lived – I am fascinated by how the same human emotions can be seen in a Roman poem as in novels that are written today. I love to read biographies of artists and writers.
What’s the most memorable piece of advice you’ve received?
This too shall pass.
What are your top 3 items at Caro?
I already have several pieces by Kana and I love the looseness of the Dinner Plate.
I can’t wait for lunches outside this summer - and I like to bring the tablecloths out into the garden! The Gingham Tablecloth is one of my favourites!
I have this Table Brush and couldn’t be without it now…it’s incredibly useful for a toast eating household! Iris Hantverk is a wonderful company too, I really admire how they work with visually impaired craftspeople.
Add your name to the Ffern ledger HERE
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