Top Notes 
Saffron
Heart Notes 
Amber
Base Notes 
Leather
Musk
05/03/2021
Elysium
888 Reviews
Elysium
3
The Horse Whisperer
It’s one of those crisp autumn mornings with the pungent, dry air, and as the wind sneaks under my clothes, I feel it on my skin and in my bones. A wind that whips the grass, making it stick to my boots. The sun can barely break through the impenetrable gray clouds. I enter the stable and open the heavy wooden doors. A fiery scent of saddle leather, wood with fences, mixed with amber and straw invades me. Its ancient smell stands out clearly in the freezing morning air; it is the smell of freedom. The leather joins the wind; the grass heats with the wood. This is True Leather for me. One gloomy October afternoon, I checked all six items in the Country Exclusive men’s collection. They were the same as the namesake of the Women’s Exclusive Collection, but this one has something superior.
To begin with, there is a myriad of connections suggested here and there by other users. Personally, when tested side by side with Ombré Leather (2018) EAU DE PARFUM, the latter turns out to be sweeter and more floral. I see a recall with Arabi Cana; there is an agreement that smells of ash and charcoal smoke in both of them. Last, but not least, it shares the mossy vibe of Evernyl, which is clear in Baccarat Rouge 540 EAU DE PARFUM. Thus, True Leather is on the same baseball field with the aforementioned fragrances, although it is not a clone of them. And it is great, so damn great. This line from Zara is really about convenience in the niche, which doesn’t mean wearing something that smells expensive, but access to more elegant, non-traditional olfactory experiences. Both masculine and feminine collections focus on an iconic ingredient by sublimating it among other allied notes, and True Leather aims to explore the nomadic leather. The keynotes are saffron, evernyl, and rough leather. Around these three elements, pink pepper, caramel, orris, coumarin, birch oil, green vetiver, and dry amber accord define the character of the composition.
When I splash it on my skin, there is a powerful punch of boozy with a hint of gin, smoky hot ash, and crispy leather jackets. Then there is a slightly spicy note from the saffron, which adds a pleasant, unusual heat to the perfume. Interestingly, the hint of the leather accord that is peeking on top suffices to declare that this perfume is going to be all about leather—a bold and sophisticated one. Even a touch of sweet and acidic citruses reminiscent of bergamot linger in the background.
In the middle of this excitement, pink pepper gives out its rich and peppery facet, beautifully blends well with the burnt and caramelized accords. They give a pleasant touch to the body of this composition, strengthens the aromatic and smoky aspects. The hay element also seems stronger. Iris is buttery, not lipstick-like, just powdery and dry, and plays with amber, which also adds a delightful sweet depth to everything and reduces it.
The base has dry hints of mossy and earthy tones, still smoky as if you were sitting near a crackling bonfire. The leather is now at the peak of its splendor. This type of leather is usually harsh and aggressive; however, here it pleasantly arranges with the notes of coumarin and amber. A powdery, creamy, and toasted tonka bean gives softness to the leather accord, making it less aggressive, more delicate. Amber completes this effect, scenting balsamic, honeyed, and animal, like shiny dark brown skin.
When initially sprayed, it has a good amount of sillage, which tones down about one hour later. And longevity is average; it lasts on clothes for a long time. About season, definitely a Fall and Winter scent, mainly for the crisp day, evening, and night out. Ultimately, there is a sexy and mysterious smokiness to the chord that reminds me of amber wood, tobacco, and birch tar. That atmosphere that you breathe in a luxury living room with the smell of leather sofas, wooden furniture, and cigars. I am eager for this interpretation of leather and its characteristics: deep, mysterious, yet so tempting.
I based the review on an 80ml bottle I have owned since October 2020
-Elysium
To begin with, there is a myriad of connections suggested here and there by other users. Personally, when tested side by side with Ombré Leather (2018) EAU DE PARFUM, the latter turns out to be sweeter and more floral. I see a recall with Arabi Cana; there is an agreement that smells of ash and charcoal smoke in both of them. Last, but not least, it shares the mossy vibe of Evernyl, which is clear in Baccarat Rouge 540 EAU DE PARFUM. Thus, True Leather is on the same baseball field with the aforementioned fragrances, although it is not a clone of them. And it is great, so damn great. This line from Zara is really about convenience in the niche, which doesn’t mean wearing something that smells expensive, but access to more elegant, non-traditional olfactory experiences. Both masculine and feminine collections focus on an iconic ingredient by sublimating it among other allied notes, and True Leather aims to explore the nomadic leather. The keynotes are saffron, evernyl, and rough leather. Around these three elements, pink pepper, caramel, orris, coumarin, birch oil, green vetiver, and dry amber accord define the character of the composition.
When I splash it on my skin, there is a powerful punch of boozy with a hint of gin, smoky hot ash, and crispy leather jackets. Then there is a slightly spicy note from the saffron, which adds a pleasant, unusual heat to the perfume. Interestingly, the hint of the leather accord that is peeking on top suffices to declare that this perfume is going to be all about leather—a bold and sophisticated one. Even a touch of sweet and acidic citruses reminiscent of bergamot linger in the background.
In the middle of this excitement, pink pepper gives out its rich and peppery facet, beautifully blends well with the burnt and caramelized accords. They give a pleasant touch to the body of this composition, strengthens the aromatic and smoky aspects. The hay element also seems stronger. Iris is buttery, not lipstick-like, just powdery and dry, and plays with amber, which also adds a delightful sweet depth to everything and reduces it.
The base has dry hints of mossy and earthy tones, still smoky as if you were sitting near a crackling bonfire. The leather is now at the peak of its splendor. This type of leather is usually harsh and aggressive; however, here it pleasantly arranges with the notes of coumarin and amber. A powdery, creamy, and toasted tonka bean gives softness to the leather accord, making it less aggressive, more delicate. Amber completes this effect, scenting balsamic, honeyed, and animal, like shiny dark brown skin.
When initially sprayed, it has a good amount of sillage, which tones down about one hour later. And longevity is average; it lasts on clothes for a long time. About season, definitely a Fall and Winter scent, mainly for the crisp day, evening, and night out. Ultimately, there is a sexy and mysterious smokiness to the chord that reminds me of amber wood, tobacco, and birch tar. That atmosphere that you breathe in a luxury living room with the smell of leather sofas, wooden furniture, and cigars. I am eager for this interpretation of leather and its characteristics: deep, mysterious, yet so tempting.
I based the review on an 80ml bottle I have owned since October 2020
-Elysium
