The Swedish designed candles were born of a shared journey between two friends, Freddy and Alex. Born and raised in Germany, with roots in Ghana, Harriet Allure’s candles use scent to invoke a sense of nostalgia and connection to heritage
Photography courtesy of Harriet Allure featuring the brand’s Ama candle
Words by Jessica-Christin Hametner
Making waves in the design world since its official debut during Stockholm Design Week earlier this year, Swedish candle brand Harriet Allure seeks to evoke all the senses. Founded by long-time friends Freddy Mackensy and Alex Adu, Harriet Allure is the result of shared values and a distinctive cultural fusion that offers new perspectives on home, place and identity.
Beautifully blending German influences with Swedish minimalism and Ghanaian heritage – the pair grew up in Düsseldorf to Ghanaian parents – all in one thoughtfully made product, Harriet Allure aims to transport users to far-off places through the wonders of scent.
‘Inspired by the power of fragrances and the way they transport us to distinct places, we understood the deep impact of scents on memory,’ share Mackensy and Adu. ‘Specific events, such as the aroma of a market in Accra, became powerful memories. It was within these shared experiences that Harriet Allure was born.’
Photography courtesy of Harriet Allure featuring Freddy Mackensy and Alex Adu
The seed of what would later grow into Harriet Allure was initially sawn in 2019 when Adu started an exchange programme in Sweden and Mackensy accepted a job offer in Berlin. ‘Feeling at home in a new environment is not always immediate, and scented candles played a crucial role in making each new place feel like home,’ shares Adu.
‘The ritual of settling into a new, possibly empty apartment with a scented candle became a source of comfort and familiarity,’ continues Adu. ‘This experience taught us that “home” is not confined to a single place; it can be embraced in different locations and among different people.’
Each candle is meticulously crafted, embodying artisanal dedication and attention to detail. Raw materials are selected from the world capital of perfumery, Grasse, France, and the pair is also committed to sustainable production and eco-friendly sourcing. Containing 100 per cent soy wax, chosen for its clean-burning properties, Harriet Allure’s candles feature 100 per cent eco cotton-wicks, and all goods are devoid of additives.
Photography courtesy of Harriet Allure featuring the brand’s candles
‘Our perfumer helped us create scents that resemble specific memories or emotions,’ explains Mackensy. Harriet Allure lures us in with four captivating scents: from the sweetness and warmth of Ama, named after Mackensy’s mother, to the heady Tobacco-scented Faiyaz and bold Minuit blending amber and rose, to the earthy freshness of Tartu, each scent embodies the spirit of its founders. ‘Ama is our favourite scent,’ says Adu. ‘It takes us back to our childhood; it’s a comforting scent. Freddy’s mother is very special to us both.’
The candle jars, featuring soft, organic shapes, are crafted from recycled clay in Portugal and take their design cues from both nature and humanity. Each candle is shaped by hand or moulds to achieve the desired forms and intends to showcase the diversity of humanity.
‘The colours of our candles draw inspiration from the rich landscapes of Ghana,’ say Mackensy and Adu. ‘With a diverse terrain that covers rainforests, savannahs, and scenic coastal areas, Ghana’s nature is marked by vibrant tropical features,’ they continue. ‘The shape of our candles serves as a tribute to the uniqueness of humanity. Just as no two jars share identical forms, each human carries a unique journey marked by adaptability and distinctiveness.’
The story originally appeared in ICON 215, Spring/Summer 2024. Get a curated collection of design and architecture news in your inbox by signing up to our ICON Weekly newsletter
