The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
Mood Indigo originally launched under the Folie à Plusieurs brand before becoming part of the Moth and Rabbit collection. The fragrance draws on a palette of contrasting elements, combining bright herbal notes with deep resinous woods. Chamomile and red pepper anchor the opening, giving the composition rhythmic energy and moments of unexpected warmth. Dark woody notes and incense create a foundation that feels both grounded and luminous, while flowers play a significant role throughout the accord. The composition moves from an initial brightness into something more complex and layered, creating a journey that rewards patience and close attention.
Mood Indigo opens with bright herbal and spicy top notes that contrast sharply against a dark, resinous base. Chamomile and red pepper open the composition with an almost syncopated energy, their qualities intertwining in a way that creates immediate interest. The water lily heart provides aquatic softness, preventing the blend from becoming too austere while maintaining the overall character. This interplay between lightness and darkness, between floral delicacy and smoky depth, gives the fragrance its distinctive personality.
The evolution
The opening pairing of Roman chamomile and red pepper creates an herbal-spicy tension that doesn't resolve immediately. The chamomile brings a quiet, slightly bitter sweetness while the red pepper adds sharp, crackling energy. Geranium arrives to soften the edges with its green, almost rosy quality, blending smoothly with the earlier notes. The water lily provides aquatic freshness, cutting through the warmer notes without dominating the heart. As the composition moves into its final stage, incense becomes the dominant force. Frankincense layers over cedar, sandalwood, and patchouli for a dry, woody foundation. The drydown reveals the true character: incense and smoke dominate, with the water lily's floral softness present beneath.
Cultural impact
The blend of traditional incense materials with unexpected herbal notes makes Mood Indigo stand apart from more conventional fragrance profiles. This combination creates a scent that feels both grounded in perfumery tradition and distinctly modern in its execution. The use of chamomile and red pepper alongside frankincense and woody base notes produces a composition that offers multiple layers of experience, from the initial herbal-spicy opening through the aquatic heart to the resinous drydown.
The House
Moth and Rabbit PerfumesMoth and Rabbit creates contemporary niche fragrances that read like short films. Founded in Berlin in 2016 by Elke Filpes and Christian Choi, the house treats scent as a narrative medium, turning cinematic moments into olfactory stories. Each bottle invites the wearer to step into a scene, whether it is the restless energy of a teenage romance or the quiet tension of a midnight shoreline. The brand balances experimental composition with a clear, minimalist aesthetic, making every launch feel like a fresh script waiting to be performed on the skin.
The Creator
Mark BuxtonMark favors a structural approach that starts with a strong base, often built from rare woods, ambergris substitutes, or aged resins. He layers these foundations with carefully selected heart notes—spices, florals or herbs—that add depth without overwhelming the base.
