The Story
Why it exists.
Freddie Albrighton imagined a scent that captured the glow of a candle shop on the cobbled streets of Antwerp. While the pandemic paused his tattoo studio, he turned his studio’s colour‑filled walls into a modest lab, mixing a single spice, a white orchid, and the sweet resin of beeswax. Launched in 2021, 11 Candles In Antwerpen became the second narrative‑driven perfume from his UK‑based house, echoing the city’s historic lanterns and the quiet intimacy of a lit wick.
If this were a song
Community picks
Dream a Little Dream of Me
Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong
The Beginning
Freddie Albrighton imagined a scent that captured the glow of a candle shop on the cobbled streets of Antwerp. While the pandemic paused his tattoo studio, he turned his studio’s colour‑filled walls into a modest lab, mixing a single spice, a white orchid, and the sweet resin of beeswax. Launched in 2021, 11 Candles In Antwerpen became the second narrative‑driven perfume from his UK‑based house, echoing the city’s historic lanterns and the quiet intimacy of a lit wick.
Pink pepper provides the first spark, a crisp bite that mirrors a match’s flare. The orchid, harvested for its delicate aroma, adds a powdery, almost delicate bloom that softens the edge. Beneath them, beeswax and honey fuse into a creamy, resinous base, while myrrh injects an ancient, slightly balsamic depth. The combination turns a simple candle concept into a wearable, warm‑sweet tableau that feels both fresh and timeless.
The Evolution
At first spray, pink pepper erupts like a quick spark, cutting the air with a peppery zing that awakens the senses. Within minutes, the white orchid unfurls, its powdery petals creating a soft, almost translucent veil that feels like fresh petals drifting on warm air. As the heart settles, a thick, buttery layer of beeswax emerges, mingling with honey’s golden sweetness and myrrh’s resinous whisper. The waxy phase clings to skin, forming a warm, slightly animalic cocoon that lingers well into the evening. By the eighth hour, the scent softens to a faint honeyed glow, leaving a subtle, comforting trace that remains intimate without overwhelming.
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.
The House
United Kingdom · Est. 2020
Freddie Albrighton translates the bold lines of his tattoo studio into a small but distinct fragrance house. Based in Worcestershire, the brand launched its first scent in 2021 while the pandemic halted his tattoo work. Since then, a series of narrative‑driven perfumes – from 11 Candles In Antwerpen to Someone Else’s Flowers – have appeared in limited runs. The collection balances bright, approachable notes with a clear, minimalist presentation, inviting wearers to explore personal stories through scent.
If this were a song
Community picks
A warm, candle‑lit lounge vibe with a hint of spice; the opening peppery spark feels like a bright jazz riff, while the orchid heart drifts like a smooth piano line, and the honey‑laden waxy base settles into a mellow, soulful groove.
Dream a Little Dream of Me
Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong
