The story
Flore is French for flora. The name is inspired by the abundance of lilac blossoms in France during the awakening of spring. When the mornings are still damp and misty, creating a purple blanket across the horizon and a sweet scent in the air.
Lilacs are said to restore joy, happiness and harmony. Blooming in May for a short time only, they are known as ‘the note of spring, the promise of summer’. In Celtic culture the scent was believed to be ‘magical’ and helped people connect to their spirituality.
In the home
Colour and pattern come into play in the home of interior designer, Kate Reid. Kate recently invited House Beautiful into her glorious Manhattan apartment and we instantly fell for her bold use of print and detail. The addition of House of Hackney’s Artemis wallpaper in blush next to the entrance doors painted with a lick of Benjamin Moore’s Lazy Afternoon, is nothing short of beautiful. The combination of traditional features and modern colour makes this entrance the perfect setting for our Flore candle.
Photography by James Merrel via House Beautiful.
In travel
Nestled in the hills, just an hours drive from Avignon, lies the beautiful hilltop village of Gordes. With cobbled streets, stone houses and breath taking views of the Luberon valley, Gordes is one of the most picturesque villages in all of Provence. The small village is a hub for creatives and has attracted renowned artists such as Marc Chagall and Victor Vasarely. The most famous and impressive attraction of the town is The Senanque Abbey, just a short walk from the town itself. Walking from Gordes to the abbey on a balmy May afternoon, the floral scent of spring hanging in the air is what inspired the scent of our Flore Candle.
Photography by Molly Carr.
In literature
A classic tale of childhood, friendship and the power of positive thought, Frances Hodgson Burnett’s, The Secret Garden encapsulates the magical qualities of nature and its effect on human wellbeing.
Mary is an unreasonable child from a wealthy family who is left orphaned and sent to live with her Uncle and her sick cousin, Colin. She discovers a walled garden that has been locked for many years. Mary tends to the garden, slowly uncovering the secrets of the grounds, and with every twist and turn becomes more deeply intertwined with nature. Like the awakening of spring, her interaction with the seasons, the dirt and the flowers ignites a transformation in both herself and Colin.
In the stars
A light and delicate fragrance, but with hidden depths, Flore is the perfect scent for both Geminis and Virgos. Geminis are romantics at heart so a soft, floaty fragrance makes the perfect addition to afternoons spent daydreaming. Virgos are a real perfectionists, meaning the faultlessly layered notes of Flore – delicate lilac over spicy clove and rich ylang ylang – will tick all of their purist boxes.