On a frosty January morning, after a coffee stop, my Mum and I popped into Rachel Vosper, a candle atelier in the heart of Belgravia. It is a charming shop with a warm atmosphere, not only from the candles which are lit inside, or the incredible scent, but from the warmth of Rachel herself, who is an utter delight to meet and so passionate about what she does.
Rachel Vosper has been a candle chandler since 1994. She uses only the finest natural and sustainably sourced ingredients, incorporating beautiful hand poured candles as well as home fragrances. What makes Rachel so unique is that she is able to create a bespoke scent, which I had done for a special occasion 10 years ago. When I smell my bespoke Rachel Vosper candle, it transports me right back to August 2013 in The Ballroom at The Savoy – our Wedding Day. Top notes of sweet elegant Damas and Hellebore rose buds with heart notes of jasmine and green stem accords combined with patchouli, vanilla and amber musk undertones…the molten gold dance floor, stunning centrepieces bursting with ivory roses and draped in crystal garlands, gilded tableware and tapering candles, people sitting, laughing, having fun in a wonderfully romantic atmosphere. We named our bespoke scent ‘Aurora’ symbolising the dawn of our new life together.
For our 10 Year Wedding Anniversary Party which is this year, I thought it would be so special to have the room scented with our bespoke scent which Rachel will be creating for us once again. I love how a scent can transport you right back to a certain time or place, it can be incredibly powerful.
Scenting is so important for any occasion, whether it be your everyday home scent or a special event. It helps to enrich your experience of the world around you. We use our sense of sight, touch, sound and taste, so why not use the sense of smell to elevate your event!
Fragrances that you wear are also so important at triggering certain memories of people or events. How often have you smelt a perfume and thought oh that reminds me of something or someone?! Another scent which is really special to me is one I wore on my wedding day by Amouage. I have always been fascinated by middle eastern scents.
Amouage was founded by the Sultan of Oman in 1983 and described as ‘The Gift of Kings’. Only the finest and most special ingredients around the world are used. Amouage reflects the art of Arabian perfumery whilst bringing modernity to its unique, opulent scents. The scent I wear is named ‘Honour’ which is a combination of femininity with sensual floral notes and a beautiful undertone of leather and Vetiver accord.
Another similar combination which I have always loved is Oudh and Rose. Oudh has risen in popularity over the years due to more people travelling to the Middle East as well as the longevity of the perfume itself. Ever since I first got a whaft of it in 2007 I thought it was totally unique. It’s not for the faint hearted and is certainly a more overpowering scent. I like to save this for when I am going out in the evenings. Armani Beauty Privé have nailed it with combining these two scents into ‘Rose D’arabie’.
I tend to mix up my perfumes according to my mood but I don’t like to wear anything too overpowering during the day, especially as I usually have a 2 year old that likes to smother herself all over me! Don’t forget, scent is very personal, just like your home decor and fashion sense, but it is also more powerful than you think!
