Iris and leather, this combination regularly makes me swoon, and when the great Bertrand Duchaufour is involved, nothing can really go wrong. And indeed: Cuir de Nacre, the mother-of-pearl leather, delivers on its promises.
At first, there is a delicate shiver of sparkling aldehydes and bitter angelica root, which settles like dew drops on delicate iris blossoms, giving the fragrance a subtle retro charm. However, it is no more than a slight nod towards the great vintage leather scents like Cuir de Russie. CdN cannot compete with such glamour, nor does it want to.
It is not until the leather accord unfolds and fragile mimosa blossoms appear alongside soft, fluffy musk that there is no doubt left: The scent is clear, coherent, and stripped down to the essentials, yet its simplicity does not lack a certain refinement. Iris, suede, mimosa. Harmonious, polished, and elegant.
Before me emerges the image of a confident woman, dressed so enviably well in a perfectly fitting pair of jeans and a simple T-shirt that every ordinary person can't help but wonder why they can't pull it off. Cognac-colored suede boots complete the look, along with a matching bag. Additionally, the beauty has tied her untamed hair back with a mimosa-yellow silk scarf.
I would love to be that effortlessly chic. And even though CdN does not magically transform me into a fashionista with that certain je ne sais quoi, the fragrance whispers in my ear on some days that perhaps everything is much easier. Friendly and uncomplicated, no major drama in sight.
Finally, a word about the dosage: Allegedly, the fragrances from Ann Gérard are extrait concentrations. However, this one is more of a wallflower, and lightly dabbing it robs you of half the fun. Cuir de Nacre wants to be treated like an EdP, otherwise, it has a rather short performance.
There are really beautiful perfume names, "Cuir de Nacre" is one that immediately captivates me. And leather and iris is one of the combinations that really appeals to me. Your comment does too, so I'm happy to leave you a trophy.
Of course, it's been on my wishlist for a long time - could it be any other way? Just the name alone! Any mention of 'mother of pearl' makes me melt... And then there are notes like aldehydes, iris, and leather, along with green and floral elements. But: Isn't it discontinued?
That sounds like another great Duchaufour.