Filigree & Shadow
Our Story
Welcome to Filigree & Shadow, where the art of fragrance meets innovation. Founded in 2013, the name Filigree & Shadow emanates from a twice-borrowed reference to the song by Fever Tree.
I am James Elliott: the Nose (le nez) and self-described “Supercollider” of this fragrance house. I am a self-taught perfumer with a passion for crafting exquisite scents that captivate the senses and tell a unique olfactory story. My fragrance journey began in 2011, fueled by an insatiable curiosity and a love for the intricate world of perfumery.
In December 2015, I released my inaugural collection of natural perfumes—marking the beginning of a fragrant adventure that has continued to evolve. From early recognition by fragrance critics to expanding into synthetic innovations and developing water-based perfumes, each chapter has been about pushing boundaries and making fragrance accessible to more people.
For nearly a decade, Seattle was home to Filigree & Shadow. My West Seattle studio became a space where neighbors, friends, and fragrance lovers could gather, explore, and connect through scent. I remain deeply grateful for the encouragement, curiosity, and support that shaped this part of my journey.
As of autumn 2025, the Seattle studio has closed, and Filigree & Shadow is preparing for its next chapter in Europe. This transition is both a farewell and a new beginning.
My Ethos
- Sustainability: 95% of packaging (including the bottle) can be recycled.
- Cruelty-Free & Vegan: Certified by PETA. My products do not contain any animal ingredients, and I never test on animals.
- Past Commitments: Filigree & Shadow proudly supported STAY Animal Rescue and paid Real Rent to the Duwamish Tribe during my years in Seattle. Those initiatives close with the chapter of my West Seattle studio, but they remain an important part of the story.
Looking Ahead
Filigree & Shadow has always been about more than fragrance—it’s about storytelling, art, and community. Though one chapter has closed, I look forward to continuing this journey, sharing new creations, and building new connections in Europe.