With more than a touch of Alice in Wonderland, Italian luxury design atelier Fornasetti, is recognised the world over for its enchanting home accessories. Discover the boundless imagination, creative muses and artisanal craftsmanship behind one of the most coveted candle collections.
Atelier of Excellence
Founded in the fifties, the Fornasetti Atelier is currently led by visionary Barnaba Fornasetti, guardian of the legacy of his father Piero, one of the most creative Italian artists of the 20th century. During his lifetime, the painter, sculptor and interior decorator created more than 11000 artworks, which while retaining the original spirit, are constantly revived and reinterpreted.
In the Milan Atelier today, the same artisanal techniques used in the creation of the earliest designs remain. Colour is applied by hand and the original patterns are meticulously followed in the creation of ‘re-editions’, paying more than a passing reference to the immense Fornasetti archive.
The Enigmatic Muse
Even if you’re not familiar with Fornasetti artwork, you might recognise the face, eyes or lips of opera singer Lina Cavalieri. This most famous muse was regarded in her time as ‘the most beautiful woman in the world’. Piero Fornasetti gave eternal life to his enigmatic inspiration, paying homage to her beauty in nearly 400 drawings.
In the home fragrance collection, the designs featuring Lina Cavalieri are by no means alone; she’s surrounded by equally magical muses, from the architectural details of ‘Architettura’ to monkeys popping champagne in ‘Aperitivo’. There’s also fantastical flora and unexpected objects such as cocktail paraphernalia. These fascinating designs while drawing from a rich heritage, remain contemporary and fresh.
Fornasetti Profumi Candles
Composed of the one-of-a-kind visual vocabulary, best described as a magical dream world filled with whimsy and joy, the iconic Fornasetti Profumi collection combines art with fine fragrance. Each candle is designed to delight the senses and inspire imagination. You don’t have to be one of the global tastemakers who wax lyrical about this range, to know owning a Fornesetti candle is akin to possessing a cherished piece of art. Even after the fragrance is at an end, you’re left with an object of beauty to treasure.
Scent & Style
Crafted by hand, every candle vase, complete with tapered dome lid that not only adds to the aesthetic but provides a snuffer and wax protector in one, is brimming with fine interior fragrance. Created by master perfumers, the exclusive aromas fill interiors with scent and style.
If you’re unsure which fragrance to try first, opt for ‘Otto’ as it truly captures the Fornasetti spirit. This timeless signature scent created by Olivier Polge of Chanel fame is invitingly warm, smoky and sophisticated. For one of the gorgeous Lina Cavalieri faces peeking out from a botanical headdress, look to ‘Flora’. This fantasy design coupled with the scent of iris, jasmine and orange blossom – as if plucked from the lush gardens of Milan, epitomises ‘curiouser and curiouser’.