No, seriously, I wasn’t sure it could get any better but it just did. As you know, I love Jonathan’s candles and perfuming style – it just fits – actually we are good friends now and he instantly knows which will be my favourite from a new collection. He was absolutely correct again with this new collection.


The Russian Collection is a trio of candles using Russia’s chequered history as an olfactory reference point. As usual, they are built from the finest ingredients – and also the most expensive – to get the scents absolutely correct. So, here we are in the most beautiful red glass:


Kartushya: Inspired by love songs sung by Russian soldiers and deeply, deeply spiced and rich. Cedarwood, elemi cognac, tonka bean, birch leaf and black pepper make a cauldren of exotic notes.


The Gypsy: Heady, sensual and the (in my view) ‘wow’ candle, it’s packed with florals; sandalwood, rose, jasmine and carnation with a down blast of ylang-ylang, bergamot, patchouli, amber and cedarwood. It’s named for its inspiration; the gypsies of Russia.


The Empress And Darya: The inspiration here is the capture of infamous serial killer, Darya, by Catherine The Great, and that is something to create in perfume terms, so dark is the thought behind it. It’s woody, spicy and warm with cashmere cedarwood, cumin, vetiver, amber, cinnamon and cloves and the perfect winter drama.


Of the three, my favourite is easily The Gypsy – it’s so full, outrageous and embracing. I’ve finally got my hands on one and I love it so much I’m rubbing the wax onto my wrists so I can wear it as a perfume as well. 


The candles are all available in two sizes, medium, £25 and large, £35 and they launch in October.

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