Luxury candles are a sophisticated way to enhance any living space, offering an array of scents that can transform the atmosphere. Whether you prefer the timeless appeal of Trudon or the refined elegance of Diptyque, these selections, favored by our editors, are more than just candles; they are experiences. Some are perfect for creating a special mood during gatherings, while others consistently garner compliments. Then there are those rare gems that effortlessly transport you to entirely different environments, whether it’s a grand hotel entrance, a vibrant rainforest, a secluded garden, or even the rustic charm of a smoky campfire. Clearly, the world of premium candles offers a rich and varied sensory journey.
Curated Selections from Vogue's Editorial Team
Our editorial team shares their top choices for luxury candles, highlighting those that offer distinctive fragrances and elegant designs. These candles range from warm, woodsy notes perfect for a winter evening to fresh, garden-inspired aromas that evoke the essence of summer. The editors emphasize that these aren't merely gifts but rather personal indulgences that bring unique character to a space, often housed in beautiful vessels that can be repurposed as decorative items after the candle has fully burned.
Chloe Malle, our head of editorial content, challenges the notion that candles are uninspired gifts, asserting that the right selection can be truly captivating. She points to candles with exceptional personality, noting that their beautiful containers can be repurposed for decoration long after the wax is gone. Talia Abbas, shopping director, gravitates towards scents reminiscent of snowy alpine evenings, favoring woody and warm notes with a hint of vanilla, like Trudon’s Fir candle. She also expresses enthusiasm for Flamingo Estate’s Prinsesstårta candle, likening its aroma to a decadent lemon sponge cake. Libby Page, executive director of shopping, remains loyal to a single classic Diptyque candle, finding it impossible to burn any other. Christian Allaire, senior fashion and style writer, is a self-professed candle enthusiast who frequently alternates between Trudon Ernesto and Loewe Tomato Leaves to scent his home. Elly Leavitt, lifestyle editor, praises the Hotel Lobby Candle Hamptons for its fresh, potent blend of tomato, basil, and geranium, noting its ability to draw compliments and its clean-burning quality. Arden Fanning Andrews, beauty editor at large, reveals her international taste in candles, mentioning Krigler’s America One 31, Sisley Paris’s Campagne, Acqua di Parma’s Bosco, and Loewe’s Oregano wax candleholder. Kiana Murden, beauty editor, enjoys the aromatherapeutic qualities of Nette x Sakara’s Serene State and Costa Brazil’s Jungle candles. Samantha Sussman, global director of social media, finds ultimate luxury in Diptyque’s extra-large Roses candle. Rose Carlisle, manager of special events, is drawn to rose-scented candles, favoring Byredo’s Burning Rose for its moody, smoky wood notes and Rose Noire for its dark, elegant, tea-like aroma and chic vessel. Alexandra Ditch, associate commerce producer, adores Diptyque’s Santal and Tubereuse scents for their luxurious and enchanting qualities, and also values the cozy ambiance created by taper candles and antique brass holders. Fred Sahai, associate commerce producer, finally lit his Byredo Bibliothèque candle after two years, appreciating its comforting fragrance, and also recommends Diptyque’s Feu de Bois. Concetta Ciarlo, beauty writer, prefers spicy, moody scents like Diptyque’s Ambre and Musc, often burning them together for a unique blend. Andrea Zendejas, fashion market editor, highlights Trudon Abd El Kader for its unique mint scent and Xinú for its luxurious aromas and reusable ceramic vessels.
The Sensory Journey of Signature Scents
Luxury candles do more than just provide a pleasant smell; they craft an immersive sensory experience that can instantly alter the mood and character of a room. Each chosen candle offers a distinct aromatic profile, from deep, resonant woody notes to bright, invigorating floral bouquets and subtle, complex spice blends. These fragrances are carefully designed to evoke specific feelings and memories, making them powerful tools for creating a desired ambiance in any home. The vessels themselves are often artistic statements, adding an element of visual beauty that complements the aromatic journey.
Exploring a diverse range of high-end candles, each offers a unique olfactory adventure. For instance, the robust notes found in Trudon's offerings provide an opulent, classic aroma, while the vivid, garden-fresh essence from Flamingo Estate captures the vitality of nature. Fashion-forward brands like Loewe present fragrances that blend modern sophistication with unexpected elements, such as the crispness of cucumber. Some candles, like those from Cabana and Porta, emphasize unique scent combinations and exquisite designs, turning a simple candle into a decorative art piece. Furthermore, brands such as Aerin and Santa Maria Novella offer fragrances that range from delicate and inviting to rich and captivating, appealing to a variety of preferences. Whether one seeks the nostalgic warmth of a classic scent or the adventurous spirit of an exotic aroma, these luxury candles provide not just a fragrance, but a story, an escape, and an aesthetic enhancement for any interior, creating a lasting impression even after the flame has been extinguished, as many feature reusable containers. The personal anecdotes from editors further underscore how deeply these scents resonate, transforming everyday spaces into realms of luxury and comfort, or even conjuring memories of far-off places and cherished moments.
