Moon Light: Cire Trudon

Cire Trudon is France’s oldest candle making establishment. Despite a heritage steeped in royal connections, churches and wars, the company are forward thinkers, thanks in the main to creative director, Ramdane Touhami of L’Epicerie fame. Fragrances are themed around buildings, people and dreams, and by that I mean Madam Pompadour (La Marquise; rose and citrus), Lavandieres (young girls drying their washing on Lavender bushes – Manon; lavender, orange and cotton) and Napoleon Bonaparte (Empire; lavender, marjoram and laurel). They are also purveyors of what must be the worlds most extraordinary scent; Odeur De Lune – Smell of The Moon. Metallic notes derived from NASA moon landings soil analyses form the base of the curious, sulphuric smell. The scent is a collaboration between Cire Trudon and artist Philippe Parreno and is part imagination (obviously, because nobody actually knows what the moon smells like!), and part true aromatic smoked woods. The top notes comprise Metallic sulphur and Kerosene, the heart Black Coal and Saltpetre, and the base Metal Infusion and Smoked Seasoned Wood. It’s quite the most extraordinary smell and I really could believe that’s what the moon smells like. I didn’t say I liked it though! My favourite is Dada; a blend of Mint, Tea and Chamomile. Just delicious. Cire Trudon Candles at Liberty, 45 pounds.