Our name Filigree & Shadow emanates from a twice-borrowed reference to the song Filigree & Shadow by Fever Tree. James Elliott is the Nose (le nez) and self-described Supercollider of this fragrance house. James is also a synesthete: he links sensory percepts of smell to sound, and vice versa. This synesthesia creates unusual associations and truly unique perfumes. He finds inspiration in the emotional effect of how fragrance can invoke memories yet to happen.

Our perfumes are constructed using the time-honored tradition of top, middle, and base notes. We strive to use organic botanical ingredients whenever possible, using organic alcohol and organic jojoba oil for our carriers.

James is a self-taught perfumer who began his study of perfumery in 2011, founded Filigree & Shadow in 2013, and launched an inaugural collection of natural perfumes in 2015. His series of ethereal and complex fragrances established him as a first-class natural perfumer and proved small indie perfumers can more than hold their own when running with the big dogs.

James began his formal art education at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, and later completed his BFA at RMCAD in Denver. James has worked as a designer for over 20 years with a focus on elegant design simplicity across all experiences. He has a rare mix of sense and skills that allow him to make the most of his creative talents.

James produces everything by hand in Seattle, WA.