Winter has a singular way of sharpening our senses. As days grow shorter and interiors become places of refuge, the desire for warmth, beauty, and meaning takes center stage. In this quiet seasonal transition, scented candles become far more than decorative objects — they are storytellers, memory-makers, and anchors of atmosphere. Few creators understand this emotional power as deeply as Gilles Dewavrin, whose universe blends refined elegance with a bohemian, expressive spirit.
Text Anja Van Der Borght – Pictures Claude Smekens
Before devoting himself fully to interior decoration, Gilles Dewavrin’s creative path unfolded through fashion and design. After founding a company with stylist Myrène de Premonville, he gradually turned toward interiors, driven by an instinctive attraction to spaces that feel both lived-in and poetic. This sensibility was shaped through formative experiences alongside renowned designers Alessandro Albrizzi and David Hicks, whose worlds of elegance and simplicity cultivated in him a profound appreciation for beautiful objects — not as status symbols, but as silent companions to daily life.
From this foundation emerged a distinctive decorative language. Gilles Dewavrin first explored scented candles, a medium that allowed him to merge form, fragrance, and emotion. Over time, this initial exploration evolved into a broader creative universe encompassing furniture, objects, and home linens, produced in small series and unique pieces. Each creation reflects a deliberate refusal of the ordinary, favoring rich décors, bold color palettes, and daring combinations of materials and styles. Classic and contemporary influences coexist freely, resulting in interiors that feel vibrant, eclectic, and unmistakably personal.
His candles, however, remain at the heart of this universe. They are conceived not only as sources of fragrance, but as emotional markers of time and place. As winter approaches and festive rituals return, Dewavrin’s candle collections evoke a whimsical yet comforting world where imagination gently surfaces. Unicorn bunnies, benevolent black crows, and gentle, non-threatening creatures appear as silent guardians of a poetic interior — symbols of kindness, curiosity, and gentle magic. At the center of it all stands the illuminated Christmas tree, a universal emblem of warmth, anticipation, and shared moments.
Fragrance plays a central role in shaping this atmosphere. Tea-inspired scents take prominence, offering both comfort and sophistication. Smoky lapsang souchong softened by fig, black tea delicately infused with orange blossom, and refreshing mint tea unfold slowly, filling the room with nuanced warmth. These aromas reference rituals of pause and reflection — the quiet pleasure of holding a warm cup in cold weather, the intimacy of shared conversations, the tranquility of being present.
Among these olfactory compositions, Tea Garden Express stands out as a signature creation. It captures the elegance of tea culture while remaining deeply contemporary, making it an ideal centerpiece for winter interiors. Available as a candle refill, it reflects the brand’s commitment to sustainability and longevity — encouraging clients to cherish objects over time rather than replace them.
The scents Greek Summer, Tea Garden Express, and Country Squire form a harmonious trio, each bringing its own season, memory, and mood into the home. Together, they transform interiors into sensory landscapes — spaces that feel curated yet spontaneous, refined yet soulful. For those who approach luxury not as excess but as intention, Gilles Dewavrin’s candles offer something rare: a universe where fragrance, design, and storytelling converge.
