Tuscan Leather, Tuscan Leather Intense, and Ombré Leather - These are the leather fragrances from Tom Ford that are commonly known to me and currently available in regular retail and specialty stores.
Now, the average consumer might wonder which of the three fragrances they should acquire, as all of them offer the same program: high-performance, long-lasting, and incredibly projecting leather scents.
As a big fan of Tom Ford and leather fragrances, I took the time to test all three scents, analyze them, and ultimately provide a recommendation.
Let’s start with TUSCAN LEATHER, the original and patriarch of all leather fragrances:
The scent is leathery-smoky, just like the other two fragrances. In the opening, I primarily perceive a strong portion of heavy raspberry paired with the finest smooth leather. Imagine a brand-new black AMG with the most luxurious interior - do you see the dark smooth leather seats? Just like the seats, this fragrance radiates an aura of luxury and superiority, while at the same time conveying a feeling of endless security and comfort. Just like an AMG...: dynamic, powerful, luxurious, safe, and comfortable.
Throughout the scent's development, the heavy raspberry and dark smooth leather dominate. At one moment or another, you might catch a whiff of warm woods and perhaps a slightly smoky aura - like driving your AMG through short forest stretches and small villages with many chimneys in winter. Even when these scent notes occasionally emerge, they never take over; they always leave the scepter to raspberry and leather.
Scent: 8/10 - A very good fragrance, but not entirely suitable for everyday wear. The occasion must be right. I envision a romantic candlelight dinner, a club night, or an official event where one needs to make an impression. In the workplace, whether in the office or at meetings, I see this scent as only somewhat appropriate, as its strong sillage and extremely distinctive notes could indeed clash.
Longevity: 9/10 - Tom Ford has once again surpassed himself in longevity.
Sillage: 9/10 - strong, very, very strong.
Bottle: 10/10 - Tom Ford Private Blend, indeed.
Now to TUSCAN LEATHER INTENSE, the son of the patriarch, who wants to inherit sooner rather than later:
This leathery-woody scent is the perfect offspring of such a powerful patriarch. It seems he has passed on only the best of his genes and DNA. Raspberry? Even heavier! Leather? Yes, rougher, more tempestuous, more angular, and only for connoisseurs. Woody? Yes, the forest sections are longer. Smokier? Yes, the villages with the chimneys are larger, and the chimneys are running at full capacity. If it smoked like that in my neighborhood, I would probably move away.
Intense is truly serious here. The fragrance operates at its fullest capacity, even more intense, stronger, and more dynamic than the original. However, this scent is also significantly "brutal," much more angular and edgy. Where one could still speak of dark smooth leather in the brand-new AMG, we are now talking about a leather workshop in South American Argentina. And believe me: I have been there! It smells of pure leather, the sweat of the workers, rough hands, the smoke, the diesel, and the oil from the machines... It is hot, sweaty, and dirty. And these piercing odors accompany me long after I have left that factory. For a very, very long time - one shower will not be enough. That’s Tuscan Leather Intense.
Scent: 7/10 - For me, a true work of art. But as it is with art - some like it, others do not. And with this fragrance, I clash. It is so loud, so strong, and so angular that it truly divides opinions. It is biting, but for me in a beautiful way. Negative comments and compliments guaranteed.
Longevity: 20/10 - Still very noticeable even after showering. Use with caution! INTENSE is truly serious here.
Sillage: 10/10 - Two sprays and 10 minutes of airing out, and the apartment still smells of it.
Bottle: 10/10 - Tom Ford Private Blend, indeed; I love the inscription on the silver.
Lastly, my beloved OMBRÉ LEATHER, my absolute favorite:
This scent is leathery-spicy, and even though it is not a direct descendant of the Tuscan patriarchs, it simply cannot deny its family ties.
In this fragrance, leather also predominates. However, not in such an intense form as in the two previously mentioned scents. The raspberry is suddenly gone, replaced by the finest, exquisite spices and unobtrusive jasmine. Woody? Yes, still, but much more subtle and elegant through the use of patchouli and vetiver, which in this scent comes across as deeply woody, not green at all. Smoky? No. But wicked, yes. I attribute the wickedness not to any single note, but to the composition as a whole: The dominant leather is continually underscored by spicy cardamom and subtly used saffron. Jasmine also plays only a subordinate, yet passionate supporting role and is used in just the right amount and dosage. The leather here is smooth, still dark, but so comfortable and cozy. The Tuscan patriarchs scream, and the shaded leather is not known for its discretion - it is also strongly present and omnipresent. However, it is loud in a completely different way: It is simply there. Where the Tuscan relatives scream for attention, no, roar, Ombré Leather is just there. Like a guy in a black, tailored designer suit entering a packed ballroom, causing the music to suddenly stop and all eyes to turn to him.
Loud in a beautifully charming way. Loud without having to say a word. Sexy, playful, and wicked in one moment, and serious, comfortable, and strong in the next. The rock in the surf. And for me, an incredible compliment-getter.
Scent: 10/10 - Tom Ford has outdone himself with this leather fragrance. I wear it almost on every occasion: in the office, on business trips, at meetings, in the club, on dates - simply everywhere; and everywhere I receive compliments for it. The only catch: Definitely only conditionally wearable in summer, more of an autumn/winter scent. In summer, perhaps in the evenings at a well-air-conditioned bar.
Longevity: 10/10 - It lasts and lasts and lasts, truly competing with Tuscan Leather Intense. On clothing, it lasts until the next wash and is extremely present every time I walk past the laundry basket. On skin, it lasts until the next shower and is still partially noticeable even after that.
Sillage: 8/10 - Strong, but not a monster. I could describe it as a pleasant room filler.
Bottle: 6/10 - As a big fan of the Private Blend line, I can't find much to appreciate in the design of this bottle, but: Only the content matters.
RECOMMENDATION:
For lovers of great and high-quality leather fragrances: All three!
For those looking for a good all-rounder: Ombré Leather!
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