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, producing everything by hand. I am a self-taught perfumer who began my study of perfumery in 2011, then later launched an inaugural collection of natural perfumes in 2015. The late Robert Hermann wrote, “His series of ethereal and complex fragrances established him as a first-class natural perfumer, proving small indie perfumers can more than hold their own when running with the big dogs.”

I find inspiration in the emotional effects of fragrance, invoking memories yet to happen. I am also an olfactive synesthete, linking sensory percepts of smell to sound, and vice versa. This synesthesia creates unusual associations and truly unique perfumes using the time-honored tradition of top, middle, and base notes. Together, my perfumes reflect a coherent and deeply felt/lived aesthetic, full of sincerity, heart, and playfulness—but also skilled craft and technique.

I released my first conventional fragrance in 2018 and continue to work using natural and synthetic materials. I made the choice in 2020 to use distilled water as the fragrance carrier after years of frustration with international shipping restrictions, exorbitant shipping costs, and lack of shipping options. Using water isn’t a new concept, but it is unusual to find in the niche sector. My uncompromising ethos and use of exquisite materials is what makes Filigree & Shadow perfumes so magical.

I began my formal art education at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, and later completed my BFA at RMCAD in Denver. I have worked as a designer for over 20 years with a focus on elegant design simplicity across all experiences. I have a rare mix of sense and skills that allow me to make the most of my creative talents. I reside in Seattle with my husband and our feline belovedaries.