English Version | Limited edition

“L'Objet always seeks to work with the best artisans, and over the years we have collaborated with the most talented in Portugal, especially in the production of ceramic and porcelain pieces. We had long wanted to realize a project with Oficina Marques. This partnership with Gezo and José is a celebration of craftsmanship and creativity, inspired by one of the most recurring themes at L'Objet - nature. I'm delighted that we can finally unveil this collaboration, which reinforces our shared passion for design and our commitment to quality.” The words of Elad Yifrach, founder and creative director of L'Objet, serve to illustrate the announcement of one of the most anticipated partnerships of recent times: the one that brings together L'Objet, a luxury brand, leader in the design of interior objects and fragrances, and Oficina Marques, a multidisciplinary Portuguese Art and Design studio. The result of this “collaborative venture” is the Botânica candle, measuring approximately 23 by 20 centimeters, with handmade ceramic elements that take on shapes and shades of green and are reminiscent of the fauna and flora of the forest. Each container is filled with wax scented with an original L'Objet fragrance with notes that invite you on a journey to the heart of the forest. Vogue spoke to Gezo Marques and José Aparício Gonçalves to find out more about this partnership.

How did the possibility of collaborating with L'Objet come about? We were aware of L'Objet and its production in Portugal and in 2022 we had the opportunity to meet Elad Yifrach in person. From that first meeting, we talked about forming a partnership. In May 2023, on a visit to Oficina, Elad set us the challenge of creating a large-scale candle, which is an unconventional type of product and of some technical difficulty, he was the promoter of this partnership.

The creative process this time was a three-way affair. What was it like working with an element from outside your dynamic? As storytellers, we love this kind of challenge because it gives us the chance to materialize new ideas. As we're used to developing bespoke pieces, we're already quite comfortable with the dynamics of working with this outside element, which for us is an integral part of the creative process. Initially we had a brainstorming meeting where we got to know L'Objet's DNA better and also the fragrance of this candle, which was essential because it was the starting point for telling this story. In our atelier we developed a series of figures inspired by the botanical universe and color and glaze tests, and after meeting with Elad we arrived at the result that best reconciles the DNA and aesthetics of the two brands. This collection represented a challenge for both of us: on our side we had to guarantee the production of 20 pieces, which despite being unique specimens had to meet to the established measurements, and on L'Objet's side there was the challenge of developing a candle on a scale they had never done before. In the end, these pieces had to guarantee the standards of quality and excellence that we both strive for.

What inspired you to create the Botanica candle? The inspiration for creating Botanica came from the original L'Objet fragrance. With this scented wax we are transported to a walk in the wilderness (one of Oficina Marques’ themes). The story we are telling is of a journey into the heart of a luxuriant forest of fauna and flora, green and humid, where we celebrate life in contact with nature.

How does this piece reflect the DNA of Oficina Marques and the aesthetics of L'Objet? The Botânica collection is a limited edition of 20 numbered pieces that perfectly combines the universe of the two brands. Oficina Marques’ DNA is present in the collection’s theme, the celebration of nature, and also in the materialization of this stoneware container with a raw, organic style subtly decorated with figurative reliefs and matt glazes. This is a collection made by hand, by us, and so each piece directly contains our DNA, and to that extent it taps into the L'Objet aesthetic, which stands out for its attention to artisanal detail in everything they do.

*Originally translated from the Arts Issue, published November 2023. Full credits and stories in the print issue.