Before walking into a summer spa event at the doMAIN showrooms in NYC, I hadn’t heard of the Baroness von Neumann or of her new luxury home collection.
That made sense, once I learned that she’s rolling it out the right way, one piece at a time. The first part of her roll-out that is available and for sale is her scented candle collection. The beautifully packaged pillar candles displayed beautifully in the all white showroom. The orange, black and cream boxes drew my attention right away. On closer inspection, they smelled delicious; the silver and gold scripted logo which includes her late husband’s family crest screamed “Old school jet set”.
Baroness Monica von Neumann
I am completely in agreement with Baroness Monica von Neumann’s philosophy as it pertains to luxury and how one can incorporate it into one’s life, no matter what your station in life happens to be.
Says this LA based tastemaker,
“I have learned that the most expensive is not always the best, as luxury is attainable to all. I will peel back the veil on luxury travel, culinary arts, interior design, the best gifts to give, fashion and of course advise!”
The Baroness shares style tips on her blog on just about everything and a bio about her interesting life. [She's been a model, a mother, tastemaker, board member, philanthropist, and now home interiors designer]. There are tips on fashion accessories, entertainment menus, etiquette, and of course, suggestions about which of her scented candles best fit which occasion.
The ladies at doMAIN Los Angeles sent me two candles to burn at home and experience. During the day, I had Savon lit in my study and once the cocktail hour began, switched off to Garbo.
The Savon Candle from the Memoir Collection, $49.50, 12.5oz.
Savon is from the Memoir Collection and is a mix of jasmine, damask rose and red amber. Overall, the scent is warm and earthy, as promised in the product description.
Garbo is from the Legend Collection and as such, the candles in this grouping have a lot to live up to. The thrust of this collection is “strong and stately”. Garbo opens with Flora and Zitrusfrucht followed by base notes of oud wood, barley and antique leather. The effect is a tad on the masculine side, but in a pleasing way. Garbo herself was a tad masculine [those trousers and attitude] so it fits.
All candles are priced at $49.50 with the exception of a gift set for $59.50. As loathe as I am to say good-bye to summer, thinking ahead – the Baroness’s candles make for a nice Holiday gift.
Above, Greta Garbo. Below, her namesake candle.
Coming soon: textiles, flatware, linen and accessories pieces, and collections specifically created for areas of the home including her favorite space—the boudoir.
Endnotes: Radar’s Neil Woulfe asked the Baroness an interesting question.
Radar: With your gorgeous looks and outgoing personality, it seems like you’d be a natural fit for a reality TV show like The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills? Would you ever do a show like that?
Monica: With whatever TV project I am approached with I consider several vital non-negotiables. My integrity and self-respect shall always be intact. I have a legacy to uphold for my daughter and my late husband’s surname. I will not participate any project that sacrifices that.
Her response made me instantly like the Baroness. I hope to one day meet and chat with her about her projects and world view.
- Vivian Kelly