Epona by Papillon Artisan Perfumes
A Fragrance for Those Drawn to the Wild and Timeless
Some fragrances are simply alluring, and then some leave an indelible mark on the soul. Epona by Papillon Artisan Perfumes is one of those rare scents—a bewitching blend that captures not just the essence of leather and wild places but something almost mythic. Inspired by founder Liz Moores' love for horses and named for the Celtic goddess of the equine, this perfume feels like a journey into the past, conjuring memories of windswept moors, midnight rides, and a lingering, earthy warmth. It’s the perfect companion for this enchanting Samhain season, where the veils between worlds begin to thin, nostalgia runs deep, and we’re drawn toward hidden and mysterious passions that linger in the shadows.
The first breath of this scent instantly called to mind my husband Jim—a man who’s never needed fragrance to embody the mystery and allure that he naturally holds for me. To me, he’s always been one of the most captivating men alive, and still is even after 44 years together. He has that “British sort of way” my mother used to swoon over, and looks magnificent in his kilt. He wears it with effortless charm, not with pomp but casually, paired with an Irish wool sweater as if he’s just come from a windswept Highland glen. He insists on a double-breasted tux for formal affairs, draped in timeless elegance—a fitting parallel to the paradoxical quality of Epona, a scent both wild and grounded, refined yet primal, much like him.
First and foremost though, Epona is a tribute to the strength, grace, and enduring beauty of horses. With notes of leather, vetiver, oakmoss, violet, “horse skin,” labdanum, petitgrain, and saddle soap, this fragrance conjures the essence of these magnificent creatures. The scent opens with a rich leather note—soft yet worn, like slipping into a beloved saddle that’s been molded by countless rides and adventures. It captures the warmth of a sunlit stable, the earthy scent of hay, and the quiet power in a horse’s stride.
There’s something primal, almost ancient, in the whisper of saddle soap and violet—a softness that tempers the strength of leather, much like a gentle hand calming a spirited steed. In Epona, one can sense the untamed spirit of the horse, a creature both wild and loyal, powerful yet graceful. This essence resonates through the layers of the fragrance, capturing not only the elegance of these noble animals but also the sense of freedom they evoke, as if you could ride through fields and misty hills with the world fading into the horizon.
It’s a perfume that feels alive with motion and memory, crafted with the same spirit that draws us to horses—an animal that, like Epona, can be both fierce and tender, noble and grounded.
From the very first, wearing this exquisite fragrance felt like discovering an old letter tucked away in a saddlebag, a fragment from another time, steeped in leather, salt, and the lingering warmth of someone unforgettable. Jim has always seemed like that timeless figure to me, like a character from a world where men wore their hair long, rode without fear, and draped themselves in velvet and leather, with a touch of lace. I remember the moment he dropped to one knee to propose a second time, years after our wedding, in front of family and friends. Epona captures that same devotion and passion; it lingers, enveloping me in warmth, like the scent on a cool autumn night, layered with windfall apples, a hint of woodsmoke, whiskey, tobacco and the salty sweat of a magnificent horse.
Epona is more than just a perfume—it’s a tale of adventure and wild loyalty, a touch of enchantment held within the familiar comfort of leather and saddle soap. It’s the scent of autumn’s romance and devotion, of cool nights and passionate embraces. Wear it if you dare to follow hidden trails, to feel the pulse of the earth beneath you, and the quiet strength of a wild heart close by. For me, it’s a reflection of the man and horses I love—a bit untamed, yet quietly powerful, with a timeless grace that feels thoroughly present. It’s not just a fragrance; it’s a reminder of everything unforgettable about them.
Epona will speak to the soul of those who long for something deeper, something timeless. It’s for anyone who’s felt the call of the wild, the pull of ancient memories, or the magic of an autumn night where shadows dance. Wearing it feels like carrying a piece of that magic with you, a quiet strength that lingers in your presence. If you dare to try it, let Epona transport you—to hidden paths, untold stories, and a place where devotion and mystery meet. It’s more than a scent; it’s an invitation to embody wild beauty, to capture a timeless romance all your own.
You can buy Epona here from my favorite American stockist : https://indigoperfumery.com/collections/papillon-perfumery