Why Don’t They Make This Anymore?

The esteemed blog, An Aesthetes Lament, has a running commentary on “why don’t they still make this?” where he questions things that have been discontinued or are no longer available. I have my own list of beauty products I miss – a wonderfully fragrant body gel that I used for years and years until it was suddenly canceled, and a sugar scrub that was canceled soon after it debuted.    Then there was the perfumed essence oil that I bought from The Chemist Shop in Westbury Square (oh – the memories of those gorgeous cabinets!)   I wore that oil forever and 25 years after the store has closed, I still have one small vial of it that I covet.
Lately, I’ve been wondering why the florist and candle maker, Kenneth Turner, discontinued his two best products:   first, a candle that came packaged in a large terra cotta tub inside of a wicker jacket, and second, the large, wicker basket that came with attached holders for his long tapers.   For years, these two items were a must-have in Houston.   Sinfully expensive, not many could afford either the candle nor the basket.


The original Kenneth Turner candle – here a 5 wick terra cotta tub in a wicker basket. I’ve been reluctant to use my last one! Originally, the candle came in one scent, Original, though over the years, Turner has added many different fragrances to his line.

A small picture of the Kenneth Turner basket with attached tapers. Inside the basket, you could place flowers or fruit or both, as Turner often did.

Kenneth Turner pictured at home, during the heydays of the 80s, among a fruit and flower arrangement.

Kenneth Turner, who works out of London, is considered one of the most innovative floral designers of our time.   He creates lavish arrangements where he combines flowers with vegetables, fruits, stones, shells and branches.   The arrangements truly were unlike anything ever seen before.    His clientele list read like a roster of who’s who which included devotees such as Jackie Onassis, Lady Spencer, Lauren Bacall, The Princess of Kent, and Jayne Wrightsman.     He became a superstar in the floral business – launching a chain of stores.   The fragrance line was started in 1986.   He has also written countless books on the subject of floral and interior design.   He continues today in the business giving speeches and creating designs for weddings and private parties.

Turner at his original shop.

This newer shop on Bond Street shows the British Royal Warrant of the Prince of Wales above the door.

Kenneth Turner – these bulbs are busting out of the terra cotta pot into the basket – typical Turner whimsy.

Several of his books are still available on Amazon.com

An old collection of Kenneth Turner products still showing the 1 wick basket candle and several other items no longer available.

Today, the product line has the beautiful 5 and 3 wick candles in a round glass container. Much more “modern” than the wicker! Should I take the plunge and update already? The Original scent is now available in a diffuser and a room spray, which I use to scent my house and car.

On the movie set of Sex and the City, Part Two, Turner’s Moroccan inspired pierced nickel ware was used.

The nickel cutwork range of product used in Sex and The City, Part Two.

In Carol Glasser’s former family room, you can see the five wick Kenneth Turner candle resting on the black trunk.

Glasser was obviously a big fan of his candles. Throughout the years, the candle popped up in picture after picture during different photoshoots of her house.

In the first photoshoot of Glasser’s house, she lit two different Turner candles in the living room. I always loved this version of her living room with the blue and white striped rug and toile fabrics.

During a visit to the Stone House HERE, I noticed the homeowner had a Kenneth Turner candle on her coffee table.

She also had a Coldpiece candle – another wonderful scent available in a refillable terra cotta tub. Get it at Indulge, HERE. Indulge also sells Kenneth Turner products, HERE.

When visiting the Bennison House HERE, the homeowner had the 5 wick Kenneth Turner candle. I told you it was popular in Houston!!!

I Spy:   Can you spot my Kenneth Turner candle?

There it is – on the Wine tasting table in the corner. The used up candles are on top of the basket.   I guess I should throw them out and switch to the glass container now. Get more current! Lots of changes are going on in my house. I switched out the open basket of books in exchange for the closed basket, less cluttered I think.   I can’t wait to show you the changes coming.   hehe. I hope you like them, actually I hope I like them!!! Scary times coming.

So, I was really bored last night and thought I’d light up the candles to show what they look like burning. The tubs are really so pretty and atmospheric when burning.

Another look I love: I’m still stuck on the classic hurricanes.   Here, at Oscar de la Renta’s Punta Cana house, they use hurricanes everywhere.

When I entertain, I use my antique candleholders and lots of votives everywhere.

I’m hooked on lanterns now too. I put a few burning votives inside the lantern, or just one large candle. Lots of changes coming to my breakfast room too! hint, hint.

I’m fickle when it comes to candles! Right now my favorite new candle is The Nest: Bamboo, pictured here. It’s a large glass 3 wick candle. It’s too expensive, although it burns forever it seems. The scent is fabulous. I walked into Mecox and bought it immediately – the store smelled that good!   Another note – if you do like the Kenneth Turner Original scent, but don’t want to spend that much, try Trapp Candle #2. I’ve found the scent to be very similar and when my budget is tight, I buy the Trapp candle instead.   To visit the Kenneth Turner website, go HERE.

So, how do you use candles? Do you have a favorite scent? And, like me, do you have a favorite product that has been discontinued and you have never gotten over it? Leave a comment and we’ll make you feel better!

Artie, writer of the blog Color Outside The Lines, is having a huge sale HERE. Be sure to give him a visit. I’m loving how cute everything looks in the picture!!!