July 7, 2025
Grasse, France
AENTOS proudly marked its international debut at Grasse Perfume Week, presenting its first perfume collection, Deep Root, Bold Journey, to the global fragrance community. For co-founders Sarah Ching and Astrid Chan, this milestone represented more than a showcase it was a return to the source.
Founded in Shanghai in 2023, AENTOS is rooted in the belief that scent can reconnect us to soil, memory, and emotional stillness. Introducing Deep Root, Bold Journey in Grasse the historic heart of perfumery felt both symbolic and grounding.
Over the three-day event, AENTOS presented the collection to industry professionals, editors, perfumers, and fellow independent houses, exchanging ideas and forming new friendships. The reception affirmed a growing global appetite for fragrances that speak not only of luxury, but of earth, introspection, and slow living.
Beyond the exhibition, the founders had the opportunity to visit several of the world’s most respected fragrance houses, including, Firmenich, Robertet, LMR and Mane.
Walking through their headquarters offered a rare glimpse into the intersection of science, agriculture, and artistry that defines modern perfumery. For AENTOS, a brand deeply committed to natural materials and responsible sourcing these visits were profoundly educational.
One of the most meaningful visits was to Monique Rémy’s laboratory, now known as LMR. A pioneering chemist, Monique Rémy played a transformative role in elevating the sourcing and quality of natural ingredients within the fragrance industry.
In a past edition of Nez, her journey was detailed describing how she traveled across continents to build direct relationships with farmers, supporting the development of biodynamic and sustainable agriculture. One story in particular resonated deeply with co-founder Sarah Ching: Monique once promised farmers years of income stability, even in seasons when crops did not yield at their fullest.
That level of long-term commitment prioritizing people and land over short-term margins was both eye-opening and deeply moving.
“As a founder, and as a woman building within this industry, reading about Monique’s determination was incredibly inspiring,” Sarah reflects. “Her work helped shape how natural ingredients are respected today. It reminds us that fragrance is not just composition it is community, science, and stewardship.”
A Beginning...
Grasse marked the first international presentation of Deep Root, Bold Journey, but for AENTOS, it felt like planting a seed rather than reaching a summit.The collection inspired by soil, forest air, moss, and the quiet strength beneath the surface found resonance among visitors seeking authenticity and emotional depth in scent. New connections were formed with distributors, editors, perfumers, and fellow founders.As AENTOS returns to Shanghai, the experience in Grasse reinforces its path:to build slowly, to source responsibly, and to create fragrances that deepen our connection to nature and to ourselves.This is only the beginning of a new journey.
