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“Am I the only one who goes crazy for the smell of a new shoe?” asked a user to the three million sneaker fanatics in Reddit’s subforum dedicated to sneakers. The question was posted, a few years ago, along with a selfie of the person with their nose immersed in an Air Jordan. The group agreed: no, this person was not alone. Someone replied, “I sniff my new shoes.” Okay, we were used to enthusiasts of the smell of new cars, but what about those who go looking for the scent of fresh sneakers straight out of the box? This question was answered by a brand new candle from the high-end perfume brand D.S. & Durga. Parquet Leather, the candle’s name, promises a fragrance of “orange leather, maple wood, red oak parquet, and elegant sneakers.” It seems like the scent is that of a freshly opened sneaker store.
D.S. & Durga “Parquet Leather” Candle
€70
SSense
It’s worth noting that the idea of a sneaker-inspired candle is not exactly new. However, in the past, it was mainly used as a marketing tool. Nike commissioned Brooklyn-based company Joya to create hyper-realistic candles to promote Air Max Day (the company also produced a set of shoe spray perfumes). Last year, eBay sold a candle to advertise its sneaker resale authentication services on its platform. But D.S. & Durga elevates the concept from a novelty to something enviable and luxurious. The brand is known for its beloved fragrances, often unconventional, and for offering them as luxury goods (a D.S. & Durga candle costs $65, while a bottle of perfume costs $240). Parquet Leather was designed by their in-house perfumer and blends the fragrances of leather and rubber from sneakers with the woody notes of a basketball court. (Despite the leather scent, the candle is entirely vegan). We are officially in an era where sneakers and streetwear continue to infiltrate our homes. Brendon Babenzien’s Noah brand just launched an incense that sold out immediately. Trendy brands like Stüssy and JJJJound have collaborated on percale bedding sets. And now we can add this candle to D.S. & Durga’s sneaker perfume collection. Who says sneakerheads and hypebeasts don’t also want nice things for their homes? So, the next time you want to smell new shoes, grab a match and light this Parquet Leather candle. It’s the closest you can get to the real deal without sticking your nose in an Air Jordan.