In January 2020, Gwyneth Paltrow, the founder of Goop and Oscar Award winner actress, made headlines with the release of her infamous “This Smells Like My Vagina” candle. The $75 product quickly sold out and became a subject of fascination and controversy. However, in a recent stream of Instagram Stories, Paltrow revealed that the candle has been discontinued. She expressed her disappointment that the media turned it into clickbait instead of recognizing it as the “feminist statement” she intended it to be.
“… People tried to make it about something else, which is kind of a shame because it was really meant to be this strong feminist statement,” she continued. “But we no longer make the candle.”
The recent statement made by the founder of Goop echoes their previous remarks from last year during an appearance on TODAY. They explained that the provocative “vagina” candle line was intentionally created to ignite discussions and conversations.
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The Feminist Statement Behind the Candle
Paltrow explained that the thought process behind the candle was to challenge societal taboos and expectations surrounding women’s bodies. Growing up, she felt that women were often made to feel ashamed of their vaginas, and she wanted to create a product that would defy those stigmas. The candle was meant to be a strong feminist statement, a “punk rock” declaration against the notion that there was something wrong or gross about the vagina.
A Misinterpretation by the Media
Despite Paltrow’s intentions, the media’s sensationalism and clickbait culture took over, distorting the true message behind the candle. Instead of recognizing it as a bold statement of empowerment, the media focused on the provocative name and created a narrative that overshadowed its original purpose. Paltrow expressed her disappointment, saying the candle was never meant to smell like a vagina. It was crafted with scents like roses, geranium, cedar, bergamot, and damask rose.
The Power of Marketing Genius
While the media may have sensationalized the candle, it cannot be denied that the marketing strategy behind it was sheer genius. The attention it garnered propelled the product to sell out quickly, creating a buzz around Goop and its unconventional products. The success of the “This Smells Like My Vagina” candle led to the release of other provocative items, such as the “This Smells Like My Orgasm” candle and the limited-edition “Hands Off My Vagina” candle, which honored the Roe v. Wade ruling.
The Controversies Surrounding Goop
Goop, Paltrow’s lifestyle brand, has faced its fair share of controversies. 2018 the company was forced to pay $145,000 for making unsubstantiated claims about its Jade Egg and Rose Quartz Egg. Goop had marketed these products as enhancing sexual pleasure, regulating menstrual cycles, and improving bladder control when inserted vaginally. These claims were deemed misleading and resulted in a legal settlement.
Gwyneth Paltrow’s Transition from Acting to Entrepreneurship
While Paltrow had a successful acting career, including winning an Oscar for Best Actress in 1999 for “Shakespeare in Love,” she has shifted her focus to entrepreneurship with Goop. 2008 she founded the company, now valued at $250 million. Paltrow became the CEO in 2016 and has dedicated herself to building Goop into a thriving brand. She has expressed that she doesn’t miss acting and finds fulfillment in creating products and connecting with her audience.
The Legacy of the Vagina Candle
Although the “This Smells Like My Vagina” candle has been discontinued, its impact and legacy remain. It sparked conversations about female empowerment, challenging societal norms, and embracing one’s body without shame. While some praised Paltrow for her boldness and feminist statement, others criticized the product as narcissistic or lacking in authenticity. Regardless of the opinions, the candle catalyzed discussions about women’s bodies and the importance of self-acceptance.
The End of an Era
An era ends With discontinuing the “This Smells Like My Vagina” candle. The candle, with its provocative name and feminist undertones, left a lasting impression on popular culture. It challenged society’s perceptions of women’s bodies and sparked conversations about self-acceptance and empowerment. Whether loved or criticized, the candle will be remembered as a bold statement in the journey of Gwyneth Paltrow and Goop.
Gwyneth Paltrow’s “This Smells Like My Vagina” candle may no longer be in production, but its impact cannot be denied. It was meant to be a feminist statement, challenging taboos and empowering women. However, Paltrow believes that the
media’s focus on its provocative name overshadowed its original purpose of female empowerment.
Goop, Paltrow’s brand, continues to evolve, offering a range of unconventional products and promoting wellness. Paltrow’s transition from acting to entrepreneurship has inspired many, and her ventures have sparked meaningful conversations about women’s bodies and self-acceptance. The legacy of the vagina candle will be remembered as a failed but bold statement in the journey of Gwyneth Paltrow and Goop.
Images Source: Goop
