The Story
Why it exists.
In 2025 Maud Chabanis was invited by Free Yourself to translate the feeling of awe into scent for the Mindful Collection. Drawing on the brand’s commitment to transparent, green‑chemistry sourcing, she assembled a palette that begins with bright Mediterranean citrus and ends with a warm, earthy base. The fragrance’s name reflects the intended emotional response, a moment of open‑minded wonder that encourages the wearer to pause and breathe.
If this were a song
Community picks
Sunrise
Norah Jones
The Beginning
In 2025 Maud Chabanis was invited by Free Yourself to translate the feeling of awe into scent for the Mindful Collection. Drawing on the brand’s commitment to transparent, green ‑chemistry sourcing, she assembled a palette that begins with bright Mediterranean citrus and ends with a warm, earthy base. The fragrance’s name reflects the intended emotional response, a moment of open‑minded wonder that encourages the wearer to pause and breathe.
The juxtaposition of sharp bergamot and grapefruit with desert herbs and a hint of leather is a deliberate play on contrast, echoing the brand’s philosophy of balancing clarity with depth. White tea and neroli lend a fleeting, airy freshness that quickly gives way to the grounding power of orris and amber‑tinged woods, creating a scent that feels both immediate and lingering, a rare blend of lightness and substance.
The Evolution
In the first ten minutes, AWE erupts with a luminous citrus flash, bergamot and grapefruit sparkle like morning light on water, while white tea and neroli soften the edge, giving the impression of a fresh, sun‑warmed terrace. Around the 10‑ to 30‑minute mark, desert herbs and angelica root emerge, weaving an aromatic, slightly dry spine; jasmine adds a silk‑like floral veil, and a whisper of leather introduces an unexpected, almost tactile nuance. As the fragrance settles into its drydown after the half‑hour point, ambroxan glows, cedarwood and patchouli lay down a warm, woody foundation, while vanilla sweetens the base without cloying. White musk lingers on the skin, leaving a soft, skin‑kissed finish that persists gently for the remainder of the day, typically fading around the five‑hour mark on most wearers.
Cultural Impact
Since its 2025 debut, Awe has become a conversation starter among scent‑savvy circles for its bright‑then‑earthy duality. Wearers often cite it as a go‑to for mindful wardrobes, noting its ability to feel both uplifting and grounding without leaning into overtly masculine or feminine tropes. It’s frequently mentioned alongside the brand’s other elemental releases as a modern, gender‑fluid staple.
The House
France · Est. 2023
Free Yourself is a niche fragrance house that blends mindful sourcing with contemporary scent architecture. Founded by Jeff Miller and Todd Thurman, the label creates unisex perfumes that aim to support personal well‑being. Each formula emerges from Grasse, the historic perfume capital, where the brand works with perfumers Maud Chabanis and Xavier Blaizot. The line balances natural ingredients with modern green‑chemistry techniques, delivering scents that evolve on the skin while keeping a low environmental footprint. Free Yourself positions its fragrances as tools for self‑expression, inviting wearers to explore mood, memory, and confidence through scent.
If this were a song
Community picks
AWE feels like a sunrise over a quiet garden, bright, uplifting citrus that settles into warm, earthy tones. The primary track captures that transition from light to gentle depth.
Sunrise
Norah Jones


























