The cold temperatures and four PM sunsets thrill me very little each Fall, but at the same time, it’s exciting to embrace my full on candle obsession this time of year. A few months ago, a generous delivery of IIUVO fragranced candles arrived and I’ve been fascinated ever since. Visually stunning and featuring extraordinary scents, these luxurious home accents have one-of-a-kind presence. So niche, there is a chance you haven’t heard of them before, this British brand is the epitome of chicness.
Who Are They?
Created by two friends, Leo Gibbon and Tomi Ahmed, IIUVO (iuvo in Latin means to help, please, gratify) reflects the passion, style, and impeccable taste for opulent minimalism. Heavily influenced by his upbringing by a florist and interior designer, Leo studied marketing while expanding his knowledge of the luxury industry. Tomi, having worked under Adrian Joffe at Comme des Garçons, learned first hand about how to create a unique retail experience with the opening of the first Dover Street Market in London. The blend of talents and a shared vision resulted in three distinct fragrances–Ajon, Emmie and Woodgrain–which launched as home candles in May 2015.
- Ajon, a very white floral, is clean, soft and slightly warm. It opens with Orange Blossom and Jasmine but stays with notes of Tiare Flower, Gardenia, and Rose making it neither creamy nor heady, but fresh and very present.
- Emmie, a possible favorite of mine combines myrrh, cedar, vetiver, and moss with sparkling notes of grapefruit and cucumber. Balanced between airy and earthy, it is a rare fragrance experience.
- Woodgrain is the rich, slightly smoky fusion of cardamom, patchouli, cedar, amber, and fir balsam. Inspired by a hip hop lyric to evoke the ambiance of the inside of a Cadillac, it is relaxing and completely refined.
Too Legit
IIUVO has big plans (think perfume next year) and the edited candle launch is the perfect introduction to the brand’s esoteric sensibilities. Crisp but never sterile, the overall aesthetic is intriguing in its simplicity. Black and white packaging creates the perfect backdrop against which each scent stands out and the effect delivers a strong olfactory game with immense home decor perks. After the last of the flame goes out, you will want to keep the striking jar. For your pens? Or makeup brushes? You can always plant a cactus.
Hand poured in France, IIUVO candles are of superb quality. The cold throw is impressive and while each of the three aromas is compelling on its own, these fragrances harmonize brilliantly. My favorite combinations are Ajon/Emmie and Emmie/Woodgrain burned together. Truly sophisticated, they will make phenomenal gifts for the most difficult names on your holiday list this season.
Where though?
Available at some of the trendiest shopping destinations, IIUVO candles are sold at iiuvo.com, ln-cc.com, totokaleo.com, Colette.com, Harrods.com, Liberty.co.uk, etc. £50 – $75 —> 40 hour burn time
