Designer Rizalman Ibrahim, who opened an interior store recently, tells Syida Lizta Amirul Ihsan about his love for scented candles and the eclectic mix of the products
Tell us about your line of scented candles and why is it your pride and joy?
I am obsessed with scented candles and I collect the best ones from around the globe.
I have grown to understand the products better and what it takes to make good, premium ones.
My line of home scents took two years of research and development; it is made in the south of France. By using the best ingredients, the candles can burn cleanly around the jar and require no wick trimming.
I feel that it is an achievement for a local brand to produce quality products that are great luxurious additions to any home.
What’s your favourite candle scent?
I love them all. But what I burn at a particular time depends on the mood I am in or want to be in. Scents truly have that power over you and my six different scents evoke different feelings and ambience.
How is RI Maison an extension to your fashion designs?
Fashion is a lifestyle and it covers all aspects of living, including home and interior.
How do you describe the store?
RI Maison is a reflection of how I live my life, an eclectic mix that doesn’t necessarily match. It’s the same approach that I take with fashion and my personal style.
What is the best purchase you’ve made for your house?
I don’t exactly treasure things and objects, so I would not say a particular item has been my best purchase. The things I own go through their own journey and experiences. I rotate, donate and recycle.
Do you prefer minimalism or baroque-inspired furnishing and why?
I don’t have a personal preference to furnishing style. I mix and I don’t match. I feel this is how you give soul and character to your living space. I love the feel of a home that gives an idea that its owner is well-travelled.
Opening your mind to different ideas and looks reflect an inquisitive and unique personality.
A home is...
Where you are king. It’s your kingdom. You are in charge, so do your best to make it special for yourself.
TREASURE TROVE
RI Maison, designer Rizalman Ibrahim’s store for interior, consists of curated items sourced globally stocked alongside products that he designed and developed.
Located at 24 Jalan Padang Walter Grenier, Off Jalan Imbi, it carries the design philosophy of the designer’s fashion of opulent minimalism and plush elegance.
There is a strong sense of European decor aesthetics seen in the range of products offered, from soft furnishings and table ware to furniture.
Gold accents and gleaming chrome lend a sense of richness to its products, made of quality materials sourced personally by Rizalman from his many favourite haunts around the world.
The use of outstanding patterns on various items create a sense of travel and worldliness, lending personality to any setting.
A huge fan of space scents, Rizalman has created a collection of scented candles (six scents priced at RM226 each) and room scents (four scents priced at RM156 each). His labour of love over two years, the scents were developed and produced in France.
Part Manhattan loft, part Parisian vintage den, the store is a balanced world of living space and retail outlet.
It opens daily from 10am to 7pm. Price starts from RM156.