Ffern gets poetic for perfume

Conveying a scent visually is a longstanding creative challenge, and one Ffern has taken on using the very human art of poetry.

For its Summer 2026 release, the Somerset-based fragrance maker has launched ‘The Green Knight’, a short film inspired by the medieval Arthurian poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.

The work stars Indira Varma as the titular Green Knight and Faye Marsay as Gawain, with direction from filmmaker Julia Jackman, best known for 100 Nights of Hero. 

The original medieval tale centres on courage, honour and transformation. Every New Year, a mysterious knight rides into Camelot and issues a challenge. One year later, those who accept must face the consequences.

Ffern's retelling softens some of the story's darker edges while preserving its themes of bravery and self-discovery.

The Green Knight becomes less an antagonist than a force of renewal — a figure connected to nature, growth and seasonal change.

This is all meant to convey the notes present in the accompanying fragrance. Summer 26 combines Corsican clementine and rose with greener botanical notes including basil, galbanum and blackcurrant bud, creating a scent intended to evoke the atmosphere of a walled summer garden and Arthurian landscape.

In behind-the-scenes material, Jackman describes her attraction to revisiting traditional stories and finding new ways to interpret them. The production team emphasised creating a version of the tale that felt uplifting and floral while retaining the playful, mischievous spirit of the original.

Our take

In a week dedicated to a trend towards ‘human’ campaigns, we thought this one fitted in nicely due to its reliance on a timeless tradition of reciting poetry.

Luxury fragrance advertising often borrows from mythology, but Ffern's approach is closer to independent cinema or performed art.

‘The Green Knight’ certainly commits to its literary reference and ancient imagery. At a time when so many luxury brands are chasing trend-driven aesthetics, Ffern finds its creative territory around folklore, seasonality and craftsmanship.

Credits

Brand: Ffern
Campaign: The Green Knight – Summer 26
Director: Julia Jackman (100 Nights of Hero)
Cast: Indira Varma, Faye Marsay
Founder featured in BTS: Owen Mears
Behind-the-scenes cinematography: Euan Wilding