The wonderful thing about scent is that it can transport us to another time and place. One whiff of a particular food or fragrance can remind us of a person, a place, or a distant memory. Personally, I cannot smell pear without thinking of my mom who has lathered on the sweet-scented lotion every night before bed for as long as I can remember. Her entire bedroom and closet even smell of the dewy fruit. And for those of us who grew up with Christmas trees, it’s nearly impossible to smell pine without being reminded of the holiday.
A scent’s ability to stir our deepest emotions is not limited to food and perfume alone. Many candle brands use the power of fragrance to whisk us away to places we may have never even been. Over the weekend, luxury beauty brand Kama Ayurveda celebrated the launch of their limited-edition candle—Fiori D’arancio—crafted exclusively for Caffé Palladio in Jaipur. The handmade soy wax candle is infused with Sicilian oranges, lime, neroli, and cypress which are reminiscent of the sunlit gardens, lush landscapes littered with Italian orange blossoms, grand palazzos, and old-world charm that Sicily is known for. And who better to partner with than Caffé Palladio for Kama Ayurveda’s first ever creative collaboration. Even the grand aesthetic of the candle holder itself (adorned with oranges, blossoms, and a regal crest) match the chic aesthetic of the cafe’s interiors.
To further set the Mediterranean mood, Caffé Palladio provided an overall sensorial experience from the food served, to its surroundings. The dinner menu was heavily influenced by Sicilian cuisine, and even carried the same ingredients found in Fiori D’arancio, such as lime and cypress oil. Among the guests in attendance were Jane Jagger, Bharati Kher, Subodh Gupta, Vivek Sahni, Suhel Seth, Subashish Mandal, and many others.
Much like practically every locale in Jaipur, the setting was a sight for sore eyes. The ever-so-charming terrace—decorated with rustic mirrors, pistachio marble floors, and blush pink wallpaper featuring exotic birds and fruit-bearing trees—opened up to a quaint garden that was covered with oranges. Whether the pungent fruit was cleverly carved out to become candle holders or stacked in showy bunches, the star note behind Fiori D’arancio was clear.
This rather romantic setting was like momentarily escaping into a secret garden of sorts. And what a difference these aromatic flickering lights made on such a chilly winter’s eve. The ambiance, without a doubt, would have lost its enchantment had it not been bathed in the warm glow of Fiori D’arancio.
The Kama Ayurveda Fiori D’arancio candle is available for Rs. 895 at select Delhi stores (Khan Market, Galleria Market) and Noida (Mall of India), and until supplies last on kamaayurveda.com.
Do certain scents remind you of special places you’ve been? Tell us in the comments below!
This post is in partnership with Kama Ayurveda.