Jo Malone x David Hicks Decorated Home Candle Collection — A Marriage Of British Interior Design And Luxury Fragrance

The geometric-inspired, colorful, Pop Art-influenced carpet and textile patterns designed by the late Essex-born David Hicks became an integral part of his aesthetic, one of the many reasons why he was hired to design the interiors of everything from the Hotel Okura in Tokyo to the Prince of Wales’ first apartment in Buckingham Palace, and the King of Saudi Arabia’s yacht. These days, David’s son Ashley continues to keep his father’s legacy alive with projects such as a new collaboration with luxury fragrance brand Jo Malone.

For the limited-edition Jo Malone Decorated Home Candles by David Hicks collection, Ashley sorted through his father’s archives and pin-pointed some of the most stunning textile patterns, then reinterpreted them, pairing each with a fitting Jo Malone fragrance, so that each candle constitutes a mood-setting, synergistic visual and aromatic experience.

The Jo Malone x David Hicks collection consists of three scented candle options, each paired with a David Hicks pattern: Lime Basil & Mandarin in Riviera, Pomegranate Noir in Herbert’s Carnation, and Red Roses in Hicksonian. The diamond-shaped, lime-green-and-beige Riviera pattern is paired with the Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin scent to recall summers spent in the Mediterranean. The slightly tribal-influenced, peachy-pink-and-ecru Hicksonian pattern — which once decorated the drawing room of avid Hicks’ Oxfordshire home — is paired with the Red Roses scent, a fitting marriage since, according to Ashley, the abode always smelled like fresh blooms. The Carnation pattern features geometric-flavored, oversize, dark plum-colored carnation blooms against a sanguine, near burgundy red backdrop; this print is paired with the Pomegranate Noir scent for a truly seductive and mysterious experience.

I had the chance to experience the Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir in Herbert’s Carnation candle ($65 at JoMalone.com). When you light the candle, the ceramic container resembles a windowpane constructed with tainted glass, the red color growing more robust and vibrant. The Carnation pattern, despite its dainty name, feels like it belongs on the wallpaper of a sexy boudoir (the type with a canopy over the bed). Thanks to the geometric nature of the carnation print, the floral motifs are understated and not overly precious — in fact, from a distance, you’d think they were part of an ottoman style pattern.

From an aromatic perspective, the candle creates the type of mysterious allure we associate with seduction. As the scent of the candle fills the room, you’ll notice notes of succulent, juicy, fruity pomegranate, raspberry, and plum, mixed with spicy pink pepper, then grounded with patchouli, frankincense and spicy wood notes. Though the candle does contain these juicy notes, the pink pepper and frankincense transform the scent into a smokier, more decadent experience. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a spice market in Istanbul, the smell of incense wafting in the air, satchels of pomegranate tea displayed for all to purchase.

Light this candle when you’re preparing a special evening with someone and you’ll feel all the sexier.