The mood that Oh Mon Dieu! No.69 by L’Objet sets out to invoke starts well before you light a match. Inspired by Paris in 1969, the invocation process begins with the striking imagery featuring bold lettering and dreamy illustrations found on all sides of the packaging. One side of the beautifully designed box displays a hand holding a mirror reflecting lips bright with slightly smeared red lipstick, as if this is where the night will begin, but a glimpse into where it will all leads is found on the opposite side depicted by a couple entangled in a sensual embrace.
The experience continues with the contents inside. The candle itself is encased within a heavy, handcrafted white porcelain jar decorated with the same bold ’69’ found on the box. The back of the jar is more simple with only a gold L’Objet logo and a small red kiss of lipsticked lips. Accompanying the candle is a sturdy brass lid every bit as well designed as everything else. For even more lavishness, you can opt for the entire Oh Mon Dieu! scent set that includes the candle, incense, and a porcelain cast incense holder designed specifically for this collection. It all looks and feels luxurious and we haven’t even focused on the fragrance yet.
As mentioned above, the scent attempts to capture the essence of Paris in the late 1960s. A period of legendary excitement and change, all propelled from the awakened youth culture, and spreading everywhere into politics, film, music, and fashion. As L’Objet suggests, “It was a time of artistic and sexual revolution. The air was bohemian – raw, wild, playful, and undeniably sexy.” The notes are composed of cognac, and lipstick but rounded out with caramel as well. All of which you can smell the second you unwrap the plastic from the packaging. It’s heavy, not so much like the candle itself, but in atmosphere. No corners were cut in blending this combination and it only intensifies while burning. An hour into it, I was ready to put on a scarf and lie down on a rug while drinking wine straight from the bottle. The fragrance is very transcendent, warming, and as they suggest, sensual.
Oh Mon Dieu! No.69 is a front room candle in my assessment. One that adds plenty of essence to the room even while unlit but will transform it completely shortly after you introduce the flame. You’ll appreciate it and so will any guests. L’Objet is a luxury line and it’s priced accordingly but still below many others in that category. It’s well worth it though and the value is achieved in all aspects of its incredible packaging and remarkable scent.
For further information, check out their website which features a peek into the creation process with this beautifully edited video showing the process of the jar being made and the candle being poured, all by hand.