How brands are reimagining candles as an art form – from Loewe to Hong Kong’s BeCandle
The humble candle has come a long way, resembling sculpture or carrying an entire scentscape, often with sustainability in mind
“Candles have quietly evolved from being scented accessories into something far more emotional – they’re mood-shapers and design objects. More attention and importance are placed on the vessel, resulting in aspirational keepsakes and souvenirs of how we want to live,” says Bryony Sheridan, buying director at Abask, an online shop for home interiors and collectable design.
“What’s also interesting is how the new generation of makers treats candles as sculpture as much as scent. They play with texture, form and feeling to create truly original objects that take on a beguiling life of their own,” she says.
Guillaume Coutheillas, founder of frenchCALIFORNIA, agrees: “I like to treat my candles as small sculptures – their form, colour and vessel can add warmth and personality to a space,” he says. “I like to cluster them inside my 1800s fireplace, which is no longer in use, as the flickering light creates that beautiful, intimate glow without an actual fire. It’s all about finding unexpected moments where scent and atmosphere can meet design.”
“Other brands have focused on the scent and look of candles when they are unlit, but we want to create a ritual around the fire. This series explores the shapes of light when the fire is ignited, creating new sculptural shapes on the walls, making light the medium,” says Alvarez.
