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CURATE AN AT-HOME AMBIENCE WITH CIRE TRUDON AND FORNASETTI
Now that we are all spending much more time in our homes learning how to create the right atmosphere is more important than ever. Look to Laurent Delafon, fragrance-aficionado and CEO of United Perfumes ( Cire Trudon UK & FornesttiProfumi Global), as he reveal the ways in which you can adds moments of calm, space and even romance to your daily routine. Learn a thing or two about these iconic candle brands, their colourful histories and admirers throughout the centuries…
Laurent Delafon, co-founders of United Perfumes (Cire Trudon UK & Fornasetti Profumi Global)
Laurent recounts a chance encounter nearly twenty years ago, “I walked into the Diptyque store in Paris by complete chance, the two founders were there and we quickly got talking about scent in a way I’d never thought about before. Their approach was infectious and a few months later I joined the team. Meeting them that day paved the way for a totally new profession and passion for me.”
Bacio by Fornasetti candle burning.
Laurent talks us through the different ways to create moods at home…
TO CREATE A SENSE OF SANCTUARY
"It has to be Nuvola meaning 'clouds' in Italian which is scented with mistero - a warm, woody blend of crushed pink pepper, incense, cedar and sandalwood. It's Instantly calming."
TO CREATE A SENSE OF SPACE
"Abd El Khader is my go-to, it’s full of so many green, aromatic herbs to help cleanse the air and create a sense of space. I burn this in the kitchen, the spearmint note helps to cut through any strong food aromas."
TO CREATE A SENSE OF ROMANCE
"Scent the room with a delicate floral fragrance of Ortensia which is a beautiful blend of white rose, iris, orange blossom, jasmine and tuberose."
TO CREATE A WELCOMING AROMA
"We all can't wait to welcome our friends and family back into our homes. For the perfect party atmosphere, I burn Cyrnos inspired by the gardens of Villa Cyrnos on the Côte d'Azur. It’s the most beautiful blend of sun-ripened fig trees and parasol pines."
Grasse is the birthplace of perfume, the French sensibility is one of great pride and heritage. Cire Trudon is steeped in history and draws inspiration from Kings and Queens, cathedrals and grand gardens. There is a grandeur to each creation.
Lavender fields in Grasse, France.
Who are the figures that stand out in these brands colourful histories?
Cire Trudon was a favourite of Marie Antoinette’s and the fashionable court of Louis XVI. Laurent explains “manuscripts confirm Trudon as the official candle supplier to the French Royal Court. Unlike other candle merchants, founder Claude Trudon produced pure white wax which was seen as superior and therefore extremely desirable to the elite.” Laurent continues “Today Trudon maintains it’s high-fashion following including haute couture designers Giambattista Valli, Olivier Rousteing from Balmain, Victoria Beckham and Alexa Chung.”
The lady most associated with Fornasetti is, of course, opera singer Lina Cavalieri, Piero’s muse and the subject of his iconic series “Tema e Variazioni” (Themes and Variations). Laurent admits “Surprisingly, Piero never met Lina but considered her face a quintessential image of classical beauty and as a result, her enigmatic look has become a signature Fornasetti centrepiece.” Today the brand is also popular with iconic singers of this generation including Madonna and Elton John.
Elton John and Madonna, both fans of Fornasetti.
Italian’s consider scent as an expression of style. Fornasetti is contemporary and creative in the whimsical dream-like sense. There is a real sense of surrealism and humour in the designs which are just as important as the fragrances. For them, scented candles are design objects