This gold Dunhill lighter once belonged to my father. It’s fabulous. My father passed away when I was young and my uncle retrieved the lighter, but I’m delighted that it eventually found its way into my hands. It was well loved – my father was a heavy smoker – so it carries a sense of history, which I adore.
I’ve been in possession of it for more than 20 years, and I only truly trust myself with it these days! I cherish it deeply and recently treated it to a full restoration at Dunhill (an indulgent experience in itself). On one hand, it connects me to my father; on the other, I simply love how it looks and feels – its weight, its presence, the quiet luxury it exudes. It embodies nostalgia in its history and in the quality of the craftsmanship.
For me, Dunhill has always represented understated elegance, and this piece is a perfect reflection of that: sleek and classic, yet also contemporary. I have a moderate obsession with candles, incense, frankincense, you name it. The lighter sits on a plate atop a modernist console in the entrance hall, always ready to perform its candle-lighting duties.
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As my understanding of design and craftsmanship has deepened, so has my love for this lighter. It has also strengthened my connection to Dunhill, especially as one of my closest friends, Kim Carroll, is the global director of PR and communications for the brand. Sentimentality comes first, but I also admire its form. The metal finish, in particular, has sparked a growing interest in my research for future collections. tatjanavonstein.com
