An argument for man candles
With the help of the experts, we fan the flames of the 'mandle' movement
Usually, if a man buys a candle, he comes under fire. Fellow men – with shorter fuses than your candles’ wicks – will get hot under the collar, spit fire and insist that you must have money to burn.
But don’t listen to them. Man candles, or ‘mandles’ are some of the best possible additions to the modern man’s home – and we’ve turned to four connoisseurs of wax and wick in a bid to convince you.
"Usually, if a man buys a candle, he comes under fire..."
From ambience to amorosity, we’re told that candles can offer more than just a warm glow and subtle scent. So, if you’re still sitting on the fence, allow us to fan the flames of the mandle movement.
Francis Kurkdjian, of Maison Francis Kurkdjian, on how candles can evoke memories and transport you places.
“Houses have a soul, a story. They are the stage for everyday life, a testimony of an art of living and an emotional trigger. The houses I am going to talk about today nourished my olfactory memory: my childhood home; my grandparents’ apartment; my cousins’ house in the countryside; our family vacation home; my Parisian apartment.
“I have translated these intimate places into colours and smells to compose a collection of five candles with original scents that evoke a word dear to my heart: “home.”
Christopher Yu, Managing Director of United Perfumes, on how candles can be a thing of beauty - even when not lit
“Scent should be a given… so focus on the most beautiful vessel you can find. We task our design teams to create vessels that will be those that you can’t bear to throw away even when finished.”
Richard E Grant, of JACK Perfume, on how candles can heat up your love life
Yes, that Richard E Grant. The actor has had a life-long love affair with scents, and his JACK Perfume brand includes candles – homewares Grant insists can keep the spark alive in a romantic relationship.
“Sex and candle light are synonymous!” says the actor. “And, they’re not only the unbeatable light for romance, but they also smell wonderful. Our three JACK candles are a unisex, irresistible addition to your living space. Whichever you choose depends on your preference and mood, with notes including lime, mandarin, orange, ginger, petrol and leather among the scents.”
Dom Bridges, of Haeckels, on how candles can better your mood
If candles fixing your relationships isn’t good enough, then tell your nay-saying friends that mandles can also boost your mood. Smell is one of your most powerful senses – as Dom Bridges of Haeckels explains.
“The scent grabs you, it transports you – and candles can present these scents incredibly well. People need to understand the emotional and mental significance scent has in out lives. It can lessen depression, focus the mind, and create rhythms to up our productivity and creativity. Fragrance is everywhere – so we must learn to appreciate our deep-rooted relationship with it.”
Peter Robinson, of The White Company, on how candles can keep things seasonal
You change your wardrobe throughout the year, so doesn’t it make sense to change your homewares, too? Over at The White Company, they’ve created a whole range of waxy wonders that can change the feel of your home.
“Candles are seasonal trends,” says Peter Robinson. “Spicy smells tend to work well in winter, and more citrus-based scents tend are perfect for summer. It’s all the effect. A flickering flame and the soft fragrance of a scented candle has the power to instantly transform the feel of a room for the season.”
Francesca Cherruault, of Laboratory Perfumes, on how candles work as status symbols
As The White Company attest, candles can change the feel of a room instantly. And, with more and more men upgrading their bachelor pads than ever before, candles are an ideal way to add some sophistication to your home.
“How people live and and how their homes are viewed is more important today than perhaps it has been in the past,” says Francesca Cherruault. “A space with a lovely atmosphere is always appealing, whether to women or to men – who doesn’t appreciate a beautiful smelling, welcoming room?”
Looking to upgrade your decor? Have a flick through Gentleman’s Journal 50 Best British Brands for inspiration…
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