Leather Oud Dior 2010

What else is to say about this infamous perfume? I am certain all fragheads have heard of Leather Oud, notorious since its introduction as part of the original "La Collection Couturier" by Maison Christian Dior back in 2010. Since then, it has been reformulated twice and later axed by an unrecognizable Dior, today with a new creative director in charge.

I strongly feel this was Demachy’s finest achievement, since Eau Noire was credited to Kurkdijan, while many of the other greats in the Privee line signed by Demachy were amazing but lacked originality (Cuir Cannage, Oud Ispahan, Mitzah, Patchouli Imperial). When Leather Oud came out, it was something novel. Not only for Dior as a house with deep roots and strong French heritage, but for the fragrance scene at that time, especially in the designer realm. And Demachy did a great job. He went full Oriental and challenging, the opposite of what Dior is advertising nowadays. Regarding the “challenging aspect,” I will say, however, that I never felt Leather Oud to be an outrageous perfume as the community made it out to be. But let’s be honest, the average hobbyist also finds Musc Ravageur, MKK, and the likes to be “skanky.” Sure, there is some stank to be found, yet cleverly balanced by a myriad of other aspects. Therefore, depending on how deep you went down the rabbit hole, this might or might not be challenging to you. For me, it is not. Yes, there is a perceivable civet note that does steer towards unclean territory, and the beeswax accord can trigger further animalistic sensations. But apart from that, there is nothing “unsafe” about it; spices, leather, smoked wood chips, and resins. I think Demachy wanted to create a “new leather” perfume by choosing agarwood as the source of his inspiration. To quote him: “Oud wood exudes aromas of Leather when it is burned. It is an astonishing, very animal-like scent... Oud inspired me to make it the focus of an intense, woody Leather fragrance. A very masculine fragrance bursting with character.” That is a good way to describe Leather Oud. It is mostly a leather perfume. It also smells manly, more like “man juice.” I could not picture a woman wearing this. I simply cannot. When I smell it, a few things come to mind: A biker, or a cowboy, after riding all day, his leather jacket reeking of a combination of sweat and cigar stench. Or, perhaps one of those biker or truck driver pubs. Shabby place, smell of testosterone, topped ashtrays, and unkept toilets. I will also say that overall, this is a very good, quite surprisingly good, “Oud” perfume. Of course, there is not a drop of real oud in it, but the way it is built through various accords, it creates a very accurate rendition of how burning wood might smell, and even some oud oils. It gives off an accurate leather and burnt wood smell. The smoky and woody aspects are prominent, next to the leather, spices, and the sweetness of the beeswax and resins. I have tried a few oud oils that approximate what Leather Oud tries to convey. However, being a perfume, that experience is not as heavy and thick. Therefore, thumbs up to Demachy for doing his homework. Leather Oud opens spicy, sweet, and warm - heaps of cardamom in the opening paired with the sugary quality of the beeswax. Gradually, the leather creeps in next to the charred wood, transitioning into smoky territory (think burnt-wood smoke accord). In the base, the civet appears, and paired with beeswax, it creates a buttery, creamy impression. The labdanum further emphasizes the smoky and leathery facets. It is a very dynamic and complex perfume. In the air, it smells like sweet incense, sweaty leather, and wood. I always thought that it smells incredibly sexy.

Regarding the various reformulations, the first, minor one that happened in 2013 was negligible. After 2017, it had lost most of its charm, turning into a rather bland, dry, and smoky woody-leather scent. I am not surprised it got axed, but rather that it stayed around for so long. Gone but not forgotten. Indeed, an amazing perfume, ahead of its time, and still relevant today. I used to own two more flacons that I sold down the road, thinking that it can’t be that difficult to find a replacement, especially nowadays when the market overflows with this DNA. However, it became clear to me that there was nothing to replace it, so I made sure to mend my mistake. Surely, I will not part with it again.

IG:@memory.of.scents

You messing with me? lol. I will not only defeat you. I will crush you and make you cry for your mama. No more mister nice guy. It is time to bring out the big guns.

*confrontation mode off*
Leather Oud has a fierce opening, that much is sure. But once dominance is asserted, the violence settles down and a glorious scent emerges. It features a full-bodied amber and a shimmering oud note. The drydown is nice with its birch-quinoline type of leather, but the heart is where this perfume truly shines.

The strong flavors would suggest to wear this in winter time, but this perfume comes with a "don't tell me what to do" attitude, so I am going to agree with fellow Parfumo Static here and recommend it for year-round wear. To the office? Only if you are building a terminator reputation.

Sexy stuff, sultry leather with Civet/Musk and Oud, Cardamom plays a lot in very little character. Don't wanna go into note details anymore but honestly wish to praise the Perfumer for this awesome blending especially dealing with Civet is not just everybody's thing.

Not an everyday scent, it could be worn in some very special occasions and believe me it will register your presence among hundreds of others Niche or branded top notches. Potent, Dark and very attractive masculine.

Awesome

Don't bother to try if you are in, one millions or Blues and Aquas.

Now frag community this one is for all leathery oriental and animalic oud fans out there!

It feels like a desert dream! From the dawn and cozyness of your warm tent behind big sand dunes to the night and the moon with limitless stars in the sky above you!

So profound, elegant, daring and vigorous! Lucid!

The most prominent notes here are my favorite animalic note-civet with birch, sandalwood and oud with also dry patchouli and bergamot in the warm woody heart. Just beautiful!

It lasted 7-8 hours on my skin with moderate to strong sillage.

Civet along with the sweetness of Amber & leather. Offensive for some people but If you want something special (out of the box thinking)…this is it! The combination of Oudh & leather gives it à classic Dior touch. The cardamon is there while you get also thoughts of incense. Imagine you are in South of France & the weather is hot….you are walking in The Old Town of Nice & you enter this small old fashion store…an aged woman (55+) sits behind her desk while she is carefully reparing vintage watches. It’s just the impression you get from that tiny (old fashioned) store, kind of early 1900’s building wich may looks “dusty”….but overall it’s architecture in The old Town of Nice…& the lady shines out a certain class …wearing Leather Oud…..that’s her statement! How special she is with her proffesional occupation…that’s What Dior Leather Oud is saying….it has character, charmes & you need to walk those small streets in Nice & enter one of those tiny classical (almost dusty) shops to feel the Old Town….And The charismatic lady with her glasses on The edge of her nose, selfconfident ….well…..let Dior classical Leather Oud captivate this story in a bottle.

Leather Oud is mind blowing!!!
If you are into Cuir Beluga’s classical French touch…Then this will certainly suits you! Love it!!!