Cloak Musk is a vintage-style animalic musk fragrance that blends primal warmth with alpine botanicals and earthy minerals. Created by independent perfumer Shelley Waddington, this musk perfume captures the spirit of the Himalayas—where monastery herbs meet the first snowfall and the air carries both richness and bite.

Musk fragrance has always occupied a special place in perfumery—simultaneously familiar and elusive, comforting yet wild. While the fragrance world has largely moved toward clean white musks and airy interpretations, vintage-style animalic musk keeps drawing collectors back to something more primal and intimate. It's that quality one customer described as "the boyfriend sweater of perfumes"—worn-in, warm, quietly magnetic.

Cloak Musk explores this territory through the lens of the Himalayas. Independent perfumer Shelley Waddington captures a specific moment: the mountains of Tibet in late autumn, when monastery herbs and conifer needles mingle with alpine soil and the first snow begins to fall. At the heart of it all is that distinctive animalic musk—raw and present, balanced by the clean bite of high altitude botanicals and earthy minerals. It's a musk fragrance that doesn't choose between refined and wild, existing as both.

Shelley Waddington

PROVENANCE:

Himalaya, Tibet

NOTES:

Rosemary, Monastery Herbs, Snow Flowers, Tonka, Conifer Needles, Animalic Musk, Tundra Minerals, Alpine Salt

Cloak Musk harkens back to a vintage-style animalic musk, primal, but modernized with alpine botanicals and earthtone minerals, yet retaining a wild sensibility.

“In making this fragrance, I wanted to create a scene in the mountains of Tibet, in the season when the air is crisp and flakes of snow are beginning to fall. Himalayan forest herbs, rich soil, tundra, and conifer trees are still grey-blue-green but will soon freeze and sparkle. A shy, alert snow leopard is barely noticeable as she slowly prowls, camouflaged by the rosettes on her thick, warm fur, her luxurious cloak of invisibility.”

- Shelley Waddington

Artwork by Thomas Peterson

Why Should You Choose Cloak Musk Fragrance?

Not all musk fragrances are created equal. While many modern interpretations lean heavily into clean, laundry-like freshness, Cloak Musk takes a different approach—one that honors the depth and complexity of vintage animalic musk while introducing unexpected elements that make it distinctly wearable for today's collector.

• Vintage animalic musk with alpine innovation: This isn't the sharp, synthetic musk found in most commercial fragrances. Cloak Musk draws from the tradition of vintage animalic compositions—warm, intimate, and present on the skin—but modernizes the approach with crisp Himalayan botanicals and mineral notes that add brightness without sacrificing depth.
• Crafted by independent perfumer Shelley Waddington: Working with artisan perfumers means access to perspectives and ingredients you won't find in mass-market offerings. Shelley brings a genuine artistic vision to this musk fragrance, creating a composition that tells a specific story rather than following trends.
• Rooted in a real place and moment: The inspiration isn't abstract—it's the mountains of Tibet in late autumn, when monastery herbs still cling to grey-blue-green conifers and the first snow begins to fall. This specificity translates into a musk perfume that feels authentic and transportive.
• Complex, evolving composition: Rosemary and snow flowers open with unexpected brightness, while tonka and conifer needles add richness. The earthtone minerals and alpine salt create texture, and that signature animalic musk provides warmth that develops throughout the day. It's a fragrance that rewards patience.
• Genuinely unisex appeal: Musk fragrance has always blurred gender lines, and Cloak Musk embraces this fully. Whether you're drawn to its cozy "boyfriend sweater" quality or its bold, untamed edge, it adapts to individual skin chemistry in deeply personal ways.
• Flexible sizing for every collector: Start your exploration with a 5ml traveler that's perfect for testing or travel. Choose the 30ml bottle for regular rotation in your fragrance wardrobe, or commit to the 100ml when you've found your signature scent. Each size offers the same artisan quality in a format that fits your needs.

The Scent Trunk Approach

We believe fragrance is more than perfume—it's an artistic medium that tells stories, evokes emotions, and creates unforgettable experiences. Scent Trunk exists at the intersection of art and perfumery, offering a space for discovery and education where contemporary fragrance becomes accessible and exciting.

Our collections are built around an annual editorial calendar with seasonal palettes and monthly editions, drawing inspiration from the contemporary zeitgeist in art and culture, fashion and beauty, food and travel. 

We're unbound by traditional constructs, which gives the independent perfumers we work with the freedom to be genuinely expressive. Each Original Edition fragrance, like Cloak Musk, is created by these artisan voices—professional perfumers working with natural palettes alongside mixed media artists, musicians, painters, and digital creators who bring unique perspectives to scent.

What makes us different is our commitment to the modern collector—someone who wants to explore and curate their own private collection rather than settle for what everyone else is wearing. We highlight the perfumers behind each fragrance, connecting you directly to the artist and their creative vision. Whether you're seeking a signature scent or building a wardrobe that changes with the seasons, we offer multiple ways to discover these scent artworks through our subscription services and online boutique.

From curious beginners to dedicated collectors, we're cultivating a community of fragrance enthusiasts who value uniqueness, artistry, and the stories behind what they wear. When you choose a musk fragrance like Cloak Musk or any scent from our collection, you're not just buying perfume—you're supporting independent perfumers and participating in a more thoughtful, creative approach to fragrance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does this musk fragrance last?

Musk fragrances are known for their longevity, and Cloak Musk follows this tradition. The animalic musk base clings close to the skin, typically lasting 6-8 hours with good projection in the first few hours before settling into a more intimate scent. The earthy minerals and tonka help anchor the composition, so you'll likely still catch traces of it at the end of the day. Application on well-moisturized skin and pulse points will extend wear time.

Is Cloak Musk suitable for all seasons?

While this vintage-style musk fragrance truly shines in cooler weather—fall through early spring—it's surprisingly versatile. The alpine botanicals and mineral notes keep it from feeling heavy even in milder temperatures. Think of it as ideal for crisp autumn days, cozy winter evenings, and transitional spring weather. Summer might be the one season where lighter options feel more appropriate, though evening wear in air-conditioned settings could still work beautifully.

Can I layer Cloak Musk with other fragrances?

Absolutely. Musk is one of the most layering-friendly fragrance families because it enhances rather than overwhelms. Cloak Musk pairs particularly well with woody scents like Treemoss or Forest Woods, adding warmth and depth. Beeswax creates an interesting sweet-earthy combination, while Jungle Patchouli amplifies the earthy, grounded qualities. Start with a light application of each and adjust based on what develops on your skin.