The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
Mark Buxton approached Moth and Rabbit with a specific memory in mind: the electric uncertainty of a first love, the way everything feels heightened and slightly unreal. Working with Moth and Rabbit in Berlin in 2014, he sought to translate not just the romance but its texture, the way young affection can feel both overwhelming and tender. The collaboration brought together Buxton's experience with classic perfume structures and the brand's cinematic approach to scent narrative, resulting in a fragrance that operates like a short film, complete with atmosphere and emotional weight.
The note selection reflects a deliberate choice to prioritize texture over projection. Aldehydes provide that luminous, almost abstract opening; iris and violet create the powdery, slightly melancholic heart; and tonka bean with benzoin offer warmth without heaviness. The absence of heavy woods or musks keeps the composition delicate, making The Virgins suitable for those who want intimacy rather than impact. The pairing of geranium with lily of the valley creates unexpected freshness within the romantic framework, while rose petals ensure the florals remain grounded.
The evolution
The Virgins begins with aldehydes creating an immediate, cinematic opening that feels like a flash of light, followed by violet's powdery softness and geranium's green clarity. As the top notes soften, iris rises to center stage, its delicate, rooty quality supported by rose petals and lily of the valley, while tonka bean adds a subtle sweetness and siam benzoin provides warm, balsamic depth. The fragrance moves through these phases without sharp transitions, each note gently yielding to the next, much like how a memory shifts and settles over time.
Cultural impact
Since its 2014 debut, The Virgins has become a reference point for modern powdery florals, often mentioned alongside Diptyque’s Fleur de Peau as a contemporary take on violet‑laden innocence. Wearers cite its ability to evoke a quiet, cinematic mood, making it a favorite for art‑house evenings and Intimate gatherings. Its balanced blend of aldehydes and warm woods has secured a niche following among those who appreciate scent as storytelling.
