Sardine Surge - Why Are Sardines Creating a Stir Today?
Sardines, you'll find 'em everywhere - from your feed to your dining table, now even in luxurious candle form. Gracefully stepping out of their tins, these humble little fish have taken the internet by storm, becoming the unlikely star of the internet's quirkiest food trend.
If you take a stroll down the home decor aisle, you'll come across an array of sardine-themed merchandise. H&M Home recently dropped a shockingly popular capsule, complete with (sold out) sardine napkin rings and a cheeky napkin set declaring "Sardines." Anthropologie jumped on the bandwagon soon after, collaborating with artist Dasha Lebedev to launch a seafood inspired tabletop collection. Dasha, creator of the groundbreaking Tinned Fish Candle, a waxy tribute to the shiny tin that kicked off a myriad of memes, led the charge.
Alright, so how did we end up here? And why, exactly, are sardines so in vogue?
For starters, creations like Dasha's candle make scented fish a distant memory. "No one wants a candle that reeks of actual fish!" she chuckles. "But I tie everything back to the seafood theme through the names - for example, my juniper and fir candle is called 'Gin-Soaked Gin in a Fir Coat,' which is a play on one of my favorite Russian dishes."
Stripped of its olfactory presence, you start to notice the shape, the gleaming finish - that silvery little fish start to look rather appealing.
So, what's the deal with fish candles? It's all about contrast. Pair a tin with crisp linens, elegant glassware, or something unexpected, like sculptural tapers. Dasha's Tinned Fish Candle, surprisingly enough, boasts a modern floral scent, with notes of fresh ozone, green leaves, rose, carnation, lily of the valley, grounded by soft smoke, powder, and a touch of peppercorn.
"I've always drawn anchovies or sardines - I don't really know why," shares the artist. "Maybe it's because I grew up eating them, or maybe I just think they're adorable to draw. There's something about their shape, their sheen, and the little tin they come in that's always intrigued me."
But it's not just aesthetics that make the sardine trend a sensation - it's about more than just being cute. Camp, it seems, ages well. In fact, the sardine-as-decor trend isn't even new. François-Xavier Lalanne crafted nearly four-foot-long sardine pillows back in 1971, now valued at Sotheby's between $6,000 and $8,000. Today, you can buy a giant sardine-shaped cushion at Urban Outfitters.
Take a hint from Dasha. This trend is about embracing the eccentric, the ironic, the highbrow, and making the ordinary extraordinary. If you're ready to dive into the world of glamorized fish, then saddle up! You've been hooked.
Luxuriate in this generously sized bottle opener in cast aluminum - a witty wink at sardines, rechargeable and free to roam your table. The hyper-realistic sardine pillow from Etsy seller House of Gaud, hand-painted but swapping leather for vinyl, is another satisfying catch. Stack a few together, and you've got yourself a packed school of sardines.
Shop my edit of the chicest caviar serving dishes to top your crème fraîche-slathered chicken nuggets like a real tastemaker. Arm yourself against boring tablescapes with Anthropologie's sunny yellow dessert plate featuring a printed tin and a cheeky "bon appétit" message. These are destined to sell out - just like the previous batch.
Ultimately, the sardine trend in interior design is about having fun, being creative, and taking the road less traveled. So, embrace your inner eccentric and let your tablescape swim with sardines. You might just find yourself reeling in a new appreciation for these tinny delicacies.
- Dasha's Tinned Fish Candle, a modern floral scent, has become a symbol of the fashion-and-beauty world, leading the way in the sardine-inspired trend that has taken home-and-garden decor by storm.
- In the realm of food-and-drink, the sardine trend extends beyond your dining table, as evidenced by the chic caviar serving dishes like those found in many shops, perfect for serving creme fraiche-slathered chicken nuggets with a cheeky "bon appétit" message.
