Jason Wu Orchid Rain Candle by NEST Fragrances

Jason Wu, internationally renowned fashion designer and favorite of Michelle Obama, and Laura Slatkin, founder and CEO of NEST Fragrances, one of my very favorite luxury home fragrance manufacturers, have launched Jason Wu’s first fragrance, Orchid Rain, in a scented candle that combines style with a divine fragrance. I was burning it as I wrote this feature yesterday, and I was intoxicated by the fruity-floral fragrance that filled my room and spilled into the next.

Decorated with an understated floral print inspired by Wu’s Spring 2012 fashion collection, Orchid Rain features a unique, exotic combination of notes. The new Jason Wu Orchid Rain Candle debuted this week.

“Florals play an important role in my designs, so for my first fragrance, I wanted to create a floral scent that would reflect my feminine design aesthetic,” said Jason Wu. “As a long-time fan of NEST Fragrances, I knew that Laura Slatkin and her talented team would be the perfect partner to create a luxury scent that would represent my ideals.”

For his first fragrance, Wu wanted an exotic fragrance mix highlighting the crisp freshness of rare, fragrant Cattleya orchids infused with Asian nashi pear, pomegranate, and goji berry. The fruity-floral essences are enhanced with blonde birchwood and hints of pink pepper and coconut. To create this multifaceted combination, Slatkin tapped master perfumer Christophe Laudamiel, who has created
fragrances for some of the biggest names in the business (including the CEW Award-winning Elton John Black Candle).

The sophisticated, custom-made porcelain candle vessel features Wu’s signature grey, black, and white floral petal print with a light bisque finish. In colors that will fit into any color scheme, the candle is topped with an elegant, gold-plated lid. The classy lid protects if from dust, cat and dog fur, and any debris that might be floating around the house when the candle's not in use.

“While reading a feature article about Jason Wu last February, I was delighted to learn that his favorite scented candles are from NEST Fragrances,” said Laura Slatkin. “After exchanging notes with Jason, I learned that he was very serious about home fragrances, which led us to this collaboration. Having worked closely with Jason on this project, I have come to respect his tireless work ethic, boundless creativity, and genuine kindness. He is a true visionary and a very special person.”

Packaged in one of Jason Wu’s classic soft grey, ready-to-gift textured linen paper boxes - beyond elegant - the Jason Wu Orchid Rain Candle by NEST Fragrances is available in a seven-ounce candle for $48. You can find it at Neiman Marcus (where shipping is currently free with code FSMAR), Bergdorf Goodman, and select luxury boutiques nationwide. It would make a nice gift - if you could part with it. I would find that very hard to do. Mine was a gift from NEST.

More about Jason Wu...

Jason Wu launched his Ready-to-Wear Collection in the spring of 2006. Fast forward to today. Only six years later, he has emerged as one of the leading global talents based in New York. He is committed to making beautifully crafted clothes, and the idea of creating a collection that merges American sportswear with old-world glamour. Influenced by the classic photography of Richard Avedon and the works of Charles James and Jacques Fath, his collections aim to revitalize the art and perfection of dressing with a relaxed and youthful attitude. He is committed to maintaining strict quality standards and produces over 80% of his collections in New York's Garment District, which is also the home to his design studio and showroom. You cannot have escaped the news that Wu is one of the First Lady's favorite designers.

I'll have more to tell you about Laura Statkin soon. I hope to interview her next week.

Photo courtesy of Neiman Marcus