The Scent of the Lawn
Client
The University of Virginia
Year
2025
INSPIRATION
The University of Virginia reached out to Whitestone with a clear creative challenge: develop a custom collegiate votive candle that captured the spirit of the university. The concept needed to feel premium, gift-ready, and uniquely UVA, while staying true to their historic sense of place and pride.
Inspired by the freshly cut grass of The Lawn and the architectural beauty of Grounds, our creative team sought to translate that sensory experience into a candle that would feel both timeless and unexpected.
THE PLAN
Whitestone led creative direction from concept through production, starting with an inspiration mood board that blended collegiate heritage with contemporary design cues. Drawing personal influence from Loewe’s modern yet understated packaging aesthetic, the team explored ways to elevate a simple votive candle into a collectible object.
After sourcing initial options domestically, we ultimately chose to produce the custom box overseas to achieve the desired two-piece lift-off structure with a die-cut window and foil seal closure–details that added dimension and perceived value while staying within budget.
Each candle was designed to reflect the calm, fresh ambiance of UVA’s Grounds. The custom scent, “Fresh Cut Grass,” paid homage to the university’s iconic Lawn, while the bespoke packaging transformed the candle into a meaningful keepsake:
PRODUCT
Custom domestic-poured votive
Fully custom 2-piece box with lift-off top and window feature revealing intricate design
Foil seal detail for a refined finish
Edition Size: 700 units
Every element was guided by Whitestone’s direction to ensure the final piece balanced elegance, nostalgia, and approachability.
RESULTS
The candles were presented as thoughtful favors to guests–including donors, alumni, and senior leadership–at the University’s Honor the Future Campaign Celebration event. Given to attendees as they departed, the candles served as a final “delightable,” designed to help guests remember the magical evening they shared together.
The product was met with overwhelming enthusiasm. Recipients were thrilled by the quality of the candle, the cohesive branding, and the gesture itself. The “Fresh Cut Grass” scent instantly evoked memories of The Lawn, reinforcing the emotional connection to UVA’s campus. The university even ordered additional candles after the event due to continued requests from guests.
The final product exceeded expectations and stands as a model for how universities can modernize gifting through design-forward merchandise that connects meaningfully to their story and sense of place.