Burning Rose: Simone Voss’ Rose de Mai Candle Making
The light dims and the curtain falls, leaving a decadent, rich aroma lingering in the air. Fragrance can find inspiration anywhere and unveil the power of scent memories, something founder and creative director Simone Voss knows well.
In 2017, the celebrated Australian artist and creative, travelled to Grasse to master candle making. Her candle ‘Harlow’ is a scented homage to the iconic actress Jean Harlow, capturing the essence of Grasse by blending Rose Centifolia's aromas with an ambery, balmy base. Join us as we interview Simone about her journey and creation!
What are the challenges of using Rose Centifolia/Rose de Mai in home fragrance, and what creative opportunities does this rose bring to the candle-making process?
It’s an exquisite and delicate rose that brings a luxurious and rich aroma to scented candles, and using this ingredient in home fragrance presents both challenges and opportunities. The primary challenge lies in capturing and preserving the true essence of Rose de Mai. Its oil is highly prized but also quite delicate, making it susceptible to degradation during the candle-making process. Ensuring the integrity of its scent requires precise handling and advanced extraction techniques.
Additionally, the cost of pure Rose de Mai oil is quite high due to its labour-intensive harvesting process and the large quantity of petals needed to produce even a small amount of oil. One of the most extensively used of all the floral absolutes is the one obtained from the concrète of Rosa Centifolia flowers. Rose de Mai Absolute is an orange-yellow to orange-brown viscous liquid with a rich and sweet, deep- rosy, very tenacious odour. The spicy tonalities are usually less pronounced, while the honey-like notes can be described as similar to those of damascena absolute.
Despite these challenges, the creative opportunities are immense. Rose de Mai infuses candles with a unique, multi-layered fragrance profile that combines the sweetness of fresh petals with a subtle, green undertone. This complexity allows for versatile use in various candle collections, enhancing the sensory experience and adding a touch of elegance and sophistication.
Moreover, its historical and romantic connotations can evoke powerful emotional responses, making it a perfect choice for creating memorable and evocative home fragrances.
How did you discover this variety of rose?
It was a serendipitous yet transformative discovery. During a research trip to the Grasse region in France, which is renowned for its exceptional quality of roses, I was introduced to the enchanting fields of Rose de Mai. This variety's unparalleled fragrance, coupled with its rich history in perfumery, immediately captivated me.
The dedication and passion of the local growers who have been cultivating this rose for generations further deepened my appreciation.
This experience inspired me to incorporate Rose de Mai into our scented candle line, aiming to bring a piece of that Grasse magic into homes around the world.
With your background in botany, what are the facets and general aspects associated with Rose de Mai that particularly inspired you in the creative process for Harlow?
My background in botany has given me a deep appreciation for the intricate details and nuances of plants, and Rose de Mai is no exception. What particularly inspired me about Rose de Mai is its complex scent profile – it's not just a simple floral note. It encompasses a rich tapestry of aromas, from the sweet and slightly honeyed top notes to the deeper, more musky base notes. This complexity allows for a dynamic and evolving fragrance experience in our candles.
Additionally, the historical and cultural significance of Rose de Mai in the world of perfumery provided a profound source of inspiration. Its association with timeless beauty and luxury aligns perfectly with the ethos of Harlow.
By incorporating Rose de Mai, we not only honour this botanical gem but also elevate our candles, offering our customers an experience that is both luxurious and steeped in tradition.
What is your scent memory associated with Rose de Mai/Rose Centifolia?
One of my most vivid scent memories associated with Rose de Mai is from my visit to the rose fields in Grasse. Early in the morning, as the sun was just beginning to rise, I walked through rows of blooming roses.
The air was cool and crisp yet filled with the intoxicatingly sweet and fresh aroma of Rose de Mai. It was a sensory experience like no other – the gentle rustling of the leaves, the dewdrops on the petals, and the sheer abundance of flowers created a moment of pure bliss and tranquillity. This memory is particularly special because it encapsulates the essence of what I aim to capture in our scented candles – a moment of serene beauty and connection to nature.
Whenever I smell Rose de Mai, it transports me back to that magical morning in Grasse, and I hope to evoke similar cherished memories for our customers through our products.