Scenting the Sound: Xerjoff’s Exclusive Collaboration with Duran Duran
Written by Kristina Kybartaite-Damule
Xerjoff, the prestigious Italian luxury fragrance house, unveils two new additions to its Xerjoff Blends Collection: Black Moonlight and NeoRio. These latest creations were born from an extraordinary collaboration with the iconic British band Duran Duran, blending the realms of music, artistry, and high perfumery.
Photo: Kristina Kybartaite-Damule
The collaboration was first introduced in an exclusive launch event, Glow After Dark; it took place in Milan this past February. Xerjoff founder Sergio Momo joined Duran Duran’s Simon Le Bon and Nick Rhodes on stage, offering insight into the creative journey behind the collaboration.
The Creative Process Behind NeoRio & Black Moonlight
The partnership between Xerjoff and Duran Duran is a testament to the power of creative synergy. From conception to completion, both NeoRio and Black Moonlight were meticulously crafted through a genuine artistic exchange, encapsulating the band's signature style and spirit. Designed to appeal to both fragrance aficionados and devoted music fans, these scents offer a sensory experience that bridges the worlds of sound and scent.
Photo: Darius Damulis
This collaboration was a deeply immersive endeavor, spanning months of development and traversing multiple continents. Momo, alongside Duran Duran’s members, infused each detail with their shared passion for pushing creative boundaries. From the meticulously curated scent compositions to the sophisticated design and luxurious packaging, every element of these fragrances reflects the band’s legacy of innovation.
Named after Duran Duran’s songs, both perfumes capture different facets of the band’s artistic identity.
NeoRio: The Spirit of Boundless Creativity
“NeoRio is a testament to limitless creativity and artistic fusion. Bold and captivating, it mirrors Duran Duran’s ever-evolving spirit and boundary-breaking energy — a quality embedded in Xerjoff’s DNA. Past, present and future collide in a perfume as magnetic and unpredictable as the band itself.
The first Xerjoff perfume to feature four distinct variations of its illustrious iconic flacon, NeoRio combines an irresistible burst of candied fig and rum with the sparkling freshness of elemi absolute, before unfolding with the fiery warmth of saffron and the elegance of soft rose oil, all anchored by the creamy richness of Tonka bean and the timeless depth of balsam from Peru. A celebration of boundless energy, freedom, and the thrill of life's most exhilarating moments,” the brand claims.
Olfactory Notes:
Top: Candied Fig, Elemi Absolute, Rum, Spanish Cistus Oil
Heart: Maple Syrup, Rose Oil, Saffron
Base: Balsam of Peru, Patchouli, Tonka Bean
Photo: Darius Damulis
Black Moonlight: A Journey into the Night
“Sensuous, daring and irresistibly evocative, Black Moonlight accompanies the wearer on a journey deep into the heart of the night, where untold secrets whisper and the edge of darkness ignites intrigue. Inspired by the interplay of light and shadow that defines Duran Duran’s music, this exquisite scent embodies the allure of mystery and the quiet power of self-expression.
Black Moonlight wraps the wearer in a veil of sophistication, daring the mind to explore the enigmatic corners of the soul and celebrate the complexity within. Bergamot and mandarin awaken the senses, whilst saffron, lavender, sambac jasmine and hazelnut envelop the senses in an intimate embrace.
It’s all grounded by the base notes of patchouli, vetiver, tonka bean and benzoin to create a sensual, timeless scent that mirrors Duran Duran’s legacy: constantly-transforming yet introspective – a harmonious blend of art, innovation and emotion,” the brand notes.
Olfactory Notes:
Top: Bergamot, Cardamom, Mandarin, Saffron
Heart: Lavender, Myrrh, Sambac Jasmine Absolute, Ylang-Ylang
Base: Labdanum, Patchouli, Tolu Balm, Tonka Bean
Both fragrances carry Simon Le Bon’s handwritten signature on the bottles and coffrets.
Photo: Darius Damulis
A Tribute to Artistry and Legacy
Reflecting on the collaboration, Sergio Momo shared: “Duran Duran have shaped music and style for over four decades, making them the perfect partners for not just one, but two Xerjoff Blends creations. Their innovative spirit helped inspire every element of this project, from the scent to the packaging."
Mr. Momo adds that this collaboration has been "a very special experience.”
Photo: Darius Damulis
Duran Duran’s founding member and keyboardist Nick Rhodes says that while creating these perfumes the band was aiming for something seductive, unique, and irresistible.
"Xerjoff was the perfect partner for this collaboration, as we already admired their artistry and innovation. Our journey together resulted in two new fragrances, NeoRio and Black Moonlight, each reflecting a different side of Duran Duran. We could not be more thrilled with the results,” - he explains.