The olfactory family of leather perfumes is undoubtedly among the most fascinating, evocative and mysterious ever. The powerful scents of leather, skilfully worked animal skin and, in parallel, of burnt wood, musk and tobacco are harnessed in highly concentrated essences, almost always characterized by very high levels of persistence and trail. In modern perfumery, obviously, only synthetic molecules are used to recreate the characteristic smell of leather, without any exploitation of animals. Artistic perfumery offers various examples of high quality leather fragrances, the result of careful processing that constantly tries to balance references to a harsh, wild, bitter and dry olfactory world with softer, rounder and easily wearable notes. But what is the ideal target for such complex and "difficult" fragrances?
Leather perfumes: intense, rough, uncompromising fragrances
Let's get this straight: i leather perfumes they are not for everyone. For those who are used to wearing cologne, a flowery perfume or a fruity essence every day, the initial impact with a leather can be decidedly unsettling, to say the least. It is like lying on a lawn, with a light breeze carrying the delicate smells of flowers, and suddenly being catapulted without warning into an exclusive, smoky club with leather armchairs, distinguished men smoking cigars and precious bound books exuding authority, identity and prestige. Or, in alternative, in a pub packed with bikers dressed in leather from head to toe, intent on chatting boisterously between rivers of beer and guitar solos in the background. Just like a jacket or leather pants, i leather perfumes you need to know how to wear them and make them "credible" with an intense and self-confident, proud and independent personality. While almost always identified as purely masculine scents, leathers are suitable for anyone who can express tons of character and earthly passion, regardless of gender or age. We have selected five of the highest quality, which deserve to be tried:
1. Leather of Orto Parisi
Leather is undoubtedly one of the best olfactory creations ever by Alessandro "The Nose" Gualtieri, irreverent founder of Nasomatto e Orto Parisi. The inspiration is personal and suggestive: the old and worn leather shoes created by grandfather Vincenzo Parisi during his work experience as a shoemaker in Genoa in the early 900s. For lovers of leather perfumes, the "young" Leather (launched on the market at the end of 2021) is already a cult bottle, fully dressed in a piece of vegetable-tanned leather. This extract is strong, potent, and soaks in nicely for hours on end. Rough and raw leather, smoke, motor oil, burnt wood, resin, amber… Leather it releases all these notes to the nth degree, making itself definitely noticeable in any context.
2. Ombré Leather by Tom Ford
Elegant and refined: this is it Ombre Leather di Tom Ford, a perfume house that bears the name of one of the most famous and versatile stylists in the world. Unlike leather, Ombre Leather it recalls a less rough, sexier and decidedly trendy suede. The cardamom in the opening mixes with hints of latex, leather and jasmine, leaving after a while space for patchouli, amber and musk. The result is sublime, original and refined, suitable for enhancing both male and female personalities. Certainly not a biker perfume, but perfect for connoisseurs of luxurious and expensive leathers, such as those shown off in trendy clubs and in the coolest ateliers of large cities.
3. Dark Lords of Kilian
dark Lord di Kilian bears the signature of Alberto Morillas, a top-class Spanish perfumer known worldwide for his creations brought to success by Giorgio Armani, Calvin Klein, Yves Saint Laurent, Kenzo and Tommy Hilfiger. It is a fragrance full of shadows and lights, which combines leather with seductive notes of rum, pepper, jasmine and bergamot. Among the niche leather fragrances it is certainly one of the most accessible on an olfactory level, constantly hovering between a smoky and scratchy soul and fresh and aromatic scents. A praise to Morillas, author (as always) of an artistic perfume of the highest level.
4. Coeur De Noir by BeauFort London
The eclectic and original signature fragrance collection BeauFort London it is often characterized by the rich presence of smoky notes and Coeur de Noir is no exception. Leather, rum, ink, tobacco, wood, incense, black pepper, ginger: this perfume blends all these scents in a masterly way, evoking the evocative image of a rustic room warmed and illuminated by an imposing fireplace, around which companions gather of adventures to tell incredible stories while consuming pipes, cigars and fine spirits (while a storm is raging outside, of course). Coeur de Noir it is a damn fascinating fragrance, one of the richest and most expressive ever within the leather olfactory family.
5. Sellier's Byredo
The leather of Saddle di Byredo it is extraordinarily soft and velvety, emphasized by a powerful note of tobacco leaves. It perfectly resembles a shiny and elegant leather riding saddle, of rigorously handcrafted quality and workmanship. Being a perfume extract, the concentration of raw materials is very high, among the highest in the rich collection of signed artistic perfumes Byredo. Given the softness of her leather, Saddle it is perfect to be worn by both men and women who are looking for a fragrance with character, unique and perfectly recognizable.
Do you have questions or special requests about these or others leather perfumes? Contact us!
