Cuir de Russie Chanel 2016 Eau de Parfum

The opening of this perfume is an open-handed slap of aldehydes and flowers in true Chanel style, reminding me very much of No. 5. The expected leather never arrives, however, because Cuir de Russie is a leathery scent, but not overly so. Once opened, the scent settles on a leathery yet not dry note, supported by floral/aldehyde notes that lighten it while leaving the animalic tone inherent in the olfactory profile intact. In the background of the composition, there remains a hint of smoke and resins that support the leather and make it more decisive, contrasting the lighter floral notes. The opening tends to be more feminine, while from the heart onwards, it becomes unisex, tending towards masculine; overall, truly beautiful and worthy of a bottle in a collection. Excellent longevity, with a contained sillage, especially after opening. Excellent perfume for spring and autumn; I don't find it too warm or too cold; I associate it with the transitional seasons. Beautiful!