The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
Freddie Albworthon Perfume Ltd, founded in 2020 in the UK, channels the tattoo artist's obsession with line, color, and narrative into limited-run fragrances. Freddie Albrighton himself imagined a scent that captured the glow of a candle shop on the cobbled streets of Antwerp. During the pandemic, with his tattoo studio paused, he turned his color-filled studio walls into a modest lab. The result was built from a single spice, a white orchid, and the sweet resin of beeswax, all warmed by myrrh.
The decision to build a fragrance around a single heart accord, rather than layering top, heart, and base notes, reflects a minimalist philosophy. Myrrh provides resinous depth and slight medicinal warmth. Beeswax contributes natural honeyed sweetness without the cloying quality of synthetic musks. Pink pepper adds a subtle spice that keeps the warmth from becoming heavy. The white orchid serves as the sole floral element, ensuring the composition remains cohesive and uncluttered. Together, these four notes create a fragrance that is intimate, warm, and intentionally restrained.
The evolution
The fragrance opens directly into its heart, a departure from conventional structure. Myrrh and beeswax establish warmth immediately, while pink pepper adds a delicate spark of spice. The white orchid unfolds within minutes, softening the composition with its refined floral presence. This heart phase persists for the fragrance's entire duration, with myrrh and beeswax slowly diminishing together over four or more hours, leaving only a whisper of orchid on skin.
Cultural impact
Since its 2021 debut, 11 Candles In Antwerpen has sparked conversation among niche‑fragrance fans for its unusual wax‑centric dry‑down. Reviewers often note the striking contrast between the peppery opening and the candle‑like base, describing it as a scent that feels like a studio lit by a single flame. Its modest sillage and moderate longevity have made it a favourite for Intimate settings, while its distinctive resinous character sets it apart from more conventional floral‑amber blends.
