The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
Where the Wild Things Grow arrived in 2023 as part of Sorce's commitment to bold, expressive fragrances crafted through a process of handwritten sketches and conceptualization. Composed by perfumer Caitlin Hayes, the fragrance embodies the brand's small-batch philosophy that prioritizes quality and attention to detail over mass production. The idea was to create a strawberry scent that did not rely on the flat, candy-like strawberry found in most mass-market fragrances. Instead, Hayes sought to capture the vegetable truth of the strawberry plant itself, including its green leaves and the particular sweetness of the ripe fruit. The cream soda and vanilla elements were introduced to add playful effervescence and warmth, while ambrette grounds the composition with subtle complexity that rewards close attention.
The note philosophy behind Where the Wild Things Grow centers on authenticity and unexpected combinations. Caitlin Hayes selected strawberry not as a synthetic approximation but as a representation of the actual fruit, complete with its green and sweet elements. The grass note reinforces this commitment to realism, evoking the actual strawberry plant rather than an idealized fruit concept. Cream soda was chosen for its ability to add playful carbonation without the heaviness of traditional dessert notes. Vanilla provides warmth and roundness, while ambrette contributes the musky quality necessary to keep the composition from veering into novelty territory.
The evolution
The evolution of Where the Wild Things Grow is notable for its lack of a traditional opening phase. There is no citrus or herbal prelude to announce the fragrance's arrival. Instead, the scent materializes fully formed, presenting its strawberry heart immediately. Within the first thirty minutes, the grass notes emerge alongside the strawberry, creating an unexpected green quality that distinguishes this fragrance from sweeter strawberry scents. The cream soda note becomes more pronounced as the fragrance develops, adding a fizzy, playful character that balances the fruitiness. Vanilla enters the composition around the one-hour mark, softening the edges and adding creamy depth. Ambrette provides a musky undercurrent that keeps the fragrance from becoming overly sweet. As the scent moves forward, the strawberry and grass notes gradually recede, leaving behind a warm vanilla and ambrette foundation that lingers intimately on the skin for hours.
Cultural impact
Where the Wild Things Grow has resonated with fragrance enthusiasts seeking something beyond typical strawberry scents. The comparison to strawberry pop rocks has become a popular shorthand for its blend of sweet and fizzy notes in online discussions. The fragrance has garnered significant attention among those exploring indie and niche perfumery, frequently appearing in conversations about innovative fruit-forward compositions. Its unique take on strawberry has made it a reference point for others seeking to understand what makes this particular interpretation stand out.
