It was love at first sight for Cristina Antonia De Chagas Borges when she arrived in Florence in 2001. The Brazilian candle designer has lived here ever since, opening a workshop in Malmantile in Lastra a Signa.
As a child, De Chagas Borges recalls a large, turquoise door, leading to ‘the room of miracles.’ Her mother’s candle workshop, bursting with creativity and colour roused in her the same passion for the craft. Adopting the same techniques as her mother, De Chagas Borges has added a contemporary twist to her designs.
The unique moulds come from Brazil, and all of her designs are based on personal experiences such as travel, using South American influences, including vibrant colours and exotic scents. The hand-made candles are beautifully achieved by mixing wax with diverse materials, such as lace or spices, creating exclusive textures and aromas.
These unique candles prove to be very successful at craft fairs like Artigianato & Palazzo, the show dedicated to craftsmanship, which will take place from May 15 to 18, 2014, in the beautiful surroundings of the Corsini Garden. This year marks the 20th anniversary of this wonderful craft fair. See more at www.artigianatoepalazzo.it.
This article is published in collaboration with Artigianato e Palazzo
