The Look for Less: French-style scented candles get a local, low-cost makeover

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In 1961, the Parisian parfumier Diptyque started what would become a French revolution in candle making. The scented candle craze of the last decade was kick-started by the company, which also makes lotions and potions, all recognizable by a signature jumbled-letters typography. At around $60 per candle -- with a burn time of 50-60 hours, it was inevitable that imitations would arise.

Now, two Los Angeles entrepreneurs have created homegrown versions. Working with Archipelago, fashion retailer Des Kohan has released a signature Amber soy wax candle in a frosted glass. Stone Candles in Culver City offers a potent Amber, along with five other fragrances in a soy formula that includes 12% fragrance. (Typically, scented candles have half that amount.) Both are labeled with a take on the distinctive Diptyque design, but which is a money-saver and which is a downright steal?

Answer after the jump

The Des Kohan candle sells for $34 at her boutique, 671 Cloverdale Ave, (323) 857-0200.
The Amber candle, shown here, is $16.99 at Ralphs grocery stores or from the Stone Candle factory store, 8771 Washington Blvd., Culver City, (310) 559-0133

-- David A. Keeps

Photo credits: David A. Keeps