Xerjoff Black Moonlight: Smelling Like a Rockstar
Written by Kristina Kybartaite-Damule
Black Moonlight is one of two new fragrances recently introduced by Italian luxury perfume house Xerjoff, created in collaboration with the iconic British band Duran Duran. Housed in a sleek black bottle, the perfume hints at how true rockstars might smell.
Photo credit: @kristinakiiscents / Instagram
The collaboration with Duran Duran was first unveiled this past February in Milan, during an exclusive launch event, Glow After Dark. Xerjoff founder Sergio Momo was joined on stage by Duran Duran’s Simon Le Bon and Nick Rhodes, where they shared insights into the creative journey behind the project.
Named after songs by Duran Duran, both fragrances aim to capture different facets of the band’s artistic identity.
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.”
The launch event / Photo credit: Darius Damulis
This isn’t the first time Xerjoff has collaborated with musicians to create perfumes. Previously, they released Tony Iommi Monkey Special and Tony Iommi Deified in partnership with the legendary Black Sabbath guitarist, as well as Groove Xcape, a collaboration with Max Casacci, founder of the Italian alternative/electronic rock band Subsonica. These blends of music and perfume were well received, so it felt only natural to extend the line with a new creative partnership.
So, how does Black Moonlight smell?
To me, it’s a complex composition that opens uncompromisingly heavy with saffron. There’s a hint of cardamom, but to my nose, saffron is the key player at the start. It’s a deep, dark, spicy scent that immediately immerses and intrigues—what comes next? One thing is clear: this scent is not for the faint of heart.
As it develops on the skin, I begin to pick up resinous and smoky facets. Myrrh, leathery labdanum, and the sweet ambery warmth of Tolu balm create a sensuous and mysterious atmosphere.
Photo credit: @kristinakiiscents / Instagram
While the official note list includes some florals, they’re barely detectable to me. The scent never goes anywhere far from being a statement maker. The base is heavy on patchouli and leather—dark and earthy, with just a touch of sweetness from tonka bean. There’s something hypnotic about this composition.
I imagine myself in the middle of the night after an unforgettable rock concert, still wearing my leather jacket, the music echoing in my ears, adrenaline rushing from singing my lungs out to my favorite songs—as if I was the real rockstar there. And if I wore Black Moonlight, it would bring me even closer to that feeling. I have no doubt a true rockstar would wear this unapologetically bold perfume.
Given how much I loved Tony Iommi Monkey Special, it’s no surprise Black Moonlight enchants me too. While they aren’t the same, both fragrances fall into a similar leathery category. It might not be the easiest perfume to wear during warmer months—for me, it screams autumn—but it’s a solid release from Xerjoff that I’m going to enjoy a lot.
[bottle kindly gifted, opinions my own]