Fab Find of the Week: Vilshenko Season Candles
These unique and beautiful candles summon up visions of sleigh rides, of (faux) fur blankets, hot vodka toddies, and snow lying all around. Of gilded palaces, velvet, spring meadows, bareback horse-riding – oh, we've probably been reading too many Russian novels...
Based on the famous design for the Russian matryoshka doll, the candles are created by fashion designer Olga Vilshenko, whose clothing references classical Russian art, with its amazing, intricate embroidery and richly-toned prints.
The hand-finished candles are also based on a traditional form of Russian painting dating back to the 14th Century – and aren't they to-die-for gorgeous?
But of course, being scentaholics round here, it's the fragrances which really seduced us. It is the (blue) Winter Candle we're burning in the office right now, spiced by touches of clove, cinnamon and incense, alongside juniper, rose and cedarwood. It's sort of warm and frosted all at the same time – and we like that.
Following the seasons, we can then move on to the Spring Candle, with its fruity touches of raspberry and blackcurrant adding a jamminess to rose, leather, patchouli and amber. Summer, meanwhile, in her white-and-gold finery, is a sublime floral fusion of sandalwood, ylang ylang, amber, orange blossom, tuberose and ripe apricots.
And while it's WAY too soon to think ahead to crisp leaves and getting the woollies out again next autumn, we do love the idea of the Autumn Candle, in which blackberry, patchouli and nutmeg are given an uplifting freshness, via bergamot, jasmine and plum.
Can't promise that if you were to order online you'd get them in time for Christmas, but Liberty are carrying the candles, if you're in the area.
And they're definitely worth seeking out, for a sniff – and a swoon.
£120 each – buy here
