The Story
Why it exists.
Kinfolk Notes, born from the Seoul‑based slow‑living magazine, released Scent of Muse in 2022 as the fifth voice in its quartet of signature aromas. The brief imagined a quiet space surrounded by soft, dry moss, where the delicate scent of iris mingles with the subtle hum of creativity. Naming the perfume after the elusive muse that sparks artistic moments, the house aimed to capture that fleeting inspiration in a bottle, translating a shared feeling of gentle encouragement into scent.
If this were a song
Community picks
Bloom
ODESZA
The Beginning
Kinfolk Notes, born from the Seoul‑based slow‑living magazine, released Scent of Muse in 2022 as the fifth voice in its quartet of signature aromas. The brief imagined a quiet space surrounded by soft, dry moss, where the delicate scent of iris mingles with the subtle hum of creativity. Naming the perfume after the elusive muse that sparks artistic moments, the house aimed to capture that fleeting inspiration in a bottle, translating a shared feeling of gentle encouragement into scent.
The composition leans on lavender’s aromatic clarity, bright lemon and juicy pear to create a fresh opening that feels like early‑morning light. Iris and a powdery rose heart add a soft, almost tactile veil, while amber and heliotrope warm the base. Earthy sandalwood, patchouli and lingering musk ground the fragrance, giving it a subtle woody‑green finish that echoes the mossy backdrop of the original concept.
The Evolution
The perfume greets the skin with a crisp trio of lavender, lemon and pear that sparkles for the first ten minutes, like dew on a garden wall. As the citrus fades, iris emerges, weaving through a powdery rose cloud that settles gently, lasting another two hours and lending a quiet elegance. Around the thirty‑minute mark, amber and heliotrope introduce a soft warmth, while the base of sandalwood, patchouli and musk takes hold, creating an earthy, lingering trail that persists for four to six hours before fading into a barely perceptible whisper.
Cultural Impact
Since its 2022 debut, Scent of Muse has resonated with fans of understated elegance, often mentioned alongside Kinfolk Notes’ Spring One and The Grey Area as a go‑to for calm, community‑focused moments. Wearers note its ability to sit close, enhancing conversation without dominating a space, fitting the brand’s ethos of scent as a quiet dialogue. Its subtle projection makes it a favorite for office environments and relaxed weekend brunches, reinforcing Kinfolk’s reputation for minimalist, shareable fragrances.
The House
South Korea · Est. 2022
Kinfolk Notes is a fragrance line that grew out of the slow‑living magazine Kinfolk. Based in Seoul, the brand offers perfumes, scented lotions and candles that echo the magazine’s focus on intimacy, community and quiet moments. Each scent is meant to linger just long enough to remind the wearer of a shared feeling, whether it is the bright optimism of Spring One or the muted calm of The Grey Area. The collection is sold in the Kinfolk Seoul boutique and, since late 2023, in select ARKET stores across Europe.
If this were a song
Community picks
The fragrance feels like a soft sunrise over a garden, so a gentle ambient track with warm tones matches its calm confidence.
Bloom
ODESZA
