Stora Skuggan

Stora Skuggan is a Stockholm based perfume house founded by five multidisciplinary artists: Anna Barkne, Tomas Hempel, Olle Hemmendorff, Jonas Nordin and Martin Nicolausson. The founders met in 2005 while studying at Beckmans College of Design and began a long journey of olfactory experimentation and craft exploration before launching their first fragrance, Fantôme de Maules, in 2015.

The name Stora Skuggan, meaning “the great shadow,” reflects the brand’s atmospheric identity: a world where scent becomes storytelling, mystery and dreamlike escapism. Each fragrance is gender neutral and built as an independent narrative, often inspired by myths, natural phenomena or abstract emotional landscapes. The collection’s six fragrances are created to spark imagination and transport the wearer into another world.

Stora Skuggan sets itself apart from traditional perfume houses through its complete dedication to independent production and artistic integrity. As co founder Tomas Hempel explains: “We have not followed the traditional way to launch a perfume line by hiring established perfumers and design agencies and so on. We have done everything ourselves; every little detail has been formed by our hands.” This do it yourself philosophy defines every aspect of the brand, from formulation and scent creation to visual design, illustration and the iconic spherical cap.

All fragrances are produced in small batches in the studio in Stockholm, where each component is crafted and finished by hand with meticulous precision. The compositions blend the raw essence of nature with the clean and refined sensibility that characterises Scandinavian design. The result is a collection of perfumes that feel both grounded and otherworldly, created to move, surprise and linger.