Homeware brand Harriet Allure’s latest candle collection, Zenzi, is setting a sensory mood this autumn. The striking creation blends the label’s signature Swedish minimalist aesthetic with the Ghanaian heritage of its founders
Handcrafted in Portugal, Zenzi is made from high-quality ingredients sourced in Grasse, France, the birthplace of perfumery
Launched during Stockholm Design Week 2024, Harriet Allure was established by long-time friends Freddy Mackensy and Alex Adu. Since its inception last year, the duo has been on a mission to reinterpret fragrance. Creating something memorable has always been at the heart of the brand. ‘We want to capture the essence of home, belonging and memories, recognising that these concepts are deeply personal and vary across cultures. Each handcrafted piece is unique, celebrating the diverse paths we all undertake.’
The collection was inspired by a recent trip to Ghana, West Africa, and pays tribute to Harriet Adu, co-founder Alex Adu’s mother
Zenzi, the founders explain, is ‘a fragrance inspired by women – their stories, their strength, their light.’ Captured during a recent trip to Ghana, West Africa, the collection tells the story of women who embody resilience, love and strength, say Mackensy and Adu. Through the lens of Adu’s mother, her friends and his cousin, the founders set out to create a new series of candles that would reflect the warmth, devotion and unwavering commitment these women show to their families
Photography by Jjeanette Bäumer / Isaac Jones / Ilya Savencov
Inspired by the Latin crescens, meaning “growing” or “flourishing”, Zenzi pays tribute, in particular, to Harriet Adu, co-founder Alex Adu’s mother, whose guidance has been instrumental in shaping the foundation of the brand. A steadfast role model, she raised Alex in Düsseldorf, Germany, instilling in him the values that continue to influence his work to this day. In a nod to Ama, which launched last year and is named after Mackensy’s mother, Zenzi encompasses a warm range of aromas. The fragrance opens with the spicy depth of jasmine and saffron, leaving behind a lasting and addictively good scent. At its heart, amberwood and ambergris add earthiness, while fir resin and cedar provide a distinct freshness and woodier scent profile.
Harriet Allure launched during Stockholm Design Week 2024, and was established by long-time friends Freddy Mackensy and Alex Adu
Handcrafted in Portugal, the Zenzi candle, much like the fragrance it carries, is created with sustainability at its core. Containing 100 per cent soy wax, chosen for its clean-burning properties, Zenzi – like all of Harriet Allure’s candles – features 100 per cent eco cotton-wicks, and all goods are devoid of additives. Meanwhile, the elegant container is designed for reuse around the home. It can be easily repurposed as storage for pens or trinkets, a mug or a decorative object long after the wax has melted away. They’re worth keeping as each piece is either hand-shaped or moulded to achieve its desired form, plus Zenzi arrives in a rich burgundy hue this autumn, an instant reminder of cosy winter nights in.
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