Who doesn’t love a scandal? In a world where headlines get less and less inviting by the day, most of us are eager to get behind an opportunity to collectively point and laugh at the poor decisions and accompanying consequences of others. Take the Coldplay kiss cam incident earlier this year — already a modern classic.
It’s that kind of in-your-face energy that’s behind a rising name in an unexpected field: candles. House of Scandal, founded by Hannah Patrick, is aiming for those uncomfortable situations and leaning into everything from messy breakups to romanticising your own breakdowns.
“It’s not about creating something universally pleasing,” says Patrick on the brand’s energy. “It’s about making something that feels like a friend pulling you aside in the bathroom at the bar, blunt, unfiltered, and just the right amount of chaos.”
That chaos permeates the products. From punchy labels like Trophy Wife and Fuckboy Repellent to layered scents and eye-catching designs, there’s a depth to the discourse. Behind these titles and bold copywriting is something interesting: a brand that knows exactly what it’s doing.
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House of Scandal isn’t just surface-level sass. The names are bait, but the payoff doesn’t disappoint. Patrick explains, “We don’t just name candles for shock value, we name them like a group chat would, honest, a little savage, but always coming from a place of truth.”
Tentpole brands like Glasshouse cater to polished gift-giving, and Who Is Elijah offers minimalist, high-end scents. House of Scandal’s personality, emotional intelligence, and irreverent voice stand apart. It’s a candle brand for the messy, the chaotic, and the authentic, exactly the kind of brand that we need in times like these.
Born in London of mixed race heritage, founder Hannah Patrick fell in love with Australia and was determined to build a brand that feels local. “Working with Australian manufacturers and fragrance houses was important to me,” she says. “It’s about supporting local businesses and ensuring every candle is crafted with care and authenticity. Keeping production local means our candles have a real connection to the place I love. It’s about making something real, not just another product.”
It’s not just the scents or the names that have people talking. House of Scandal made waves with guerrilla marketing campaigns in Sydney. Take the QR codes plastered around Bondi reading, “Tom, I know you’re cheating on me,” which linked directly to Fuckboy Repellent. Or a protest in Bondi staged by self-proclaimed “fuckboys.”
These stunts have sparked conversation, caught online attention, and created a loyal following. With marketing tactics as sharp as its scents, House of Scandal isn’t just selling candles, it’s building a cultural moment. Because who doesn’t love a good scandal?
Find out more about House of Scandal here.
