Perfumery is as much an art as it is a science. It goes beyond extracting fragrances from materials we know to be wonderfully fragrant. We take inspiration from nature, synthesize fragrances that could never be extracted to match the feelings they evoke in our minds. Leather perfumes are one such materialization of the human tendency to create and recreate nature.
Leather is a fantasy note, as in synthesized and not extracted. They can be tough, rich, warm, sensual, animalic, adding character through the myriad of ways it interacts with other ingredients. Here are few of the best unisex leather perfumes in the market:
1. Byredo Bibliothèque EDP
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Byredo |
| Best for | Unisex |
| Fragrance Family | Fruity Leather |
| Notes | Top: Plum and Peach Middle: Violet and Peony Base: Leather, Patchouli, Vanilla and Musk |
| Release year | 2017 |
| Longevity | 4-7 hours |
| Projection | Moderate |
| Perfumer | Byredo |
Byredo Bibliothèque is all my dark academia fantasies come true. It opens with the fruitiness of plum, peach, and raspberries, sweet and exciting. In the background is the feeling of leather-bound books in a grand traditional library. You open one of the books and you’re hit with that beautiful vanilla smell that old books acquire. There’s a thin sheen of dust on the shelves, you pick a book up and dust flies everywhere, bringing a sense of experiencing something older and precious. But it’s all well and good.
2. Holy Oud Luban Leather EDP
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Holy Oud |
| Best for | Unisex |
| Fragrance Family | Woody Oriental |
| Notes | Top: Cypriol, Nutmeg, Elemi, Cypress, Incense Middle: Saffron, Clove Bud, Rose, Cedar, Balsamic Freshness Base: Leather, Sandalwood Oud, Smoky Musks, Woody Notes, Amber |
| Release year | 2023 |
| Longevity | Over 8 hours |
| Projection | Moderate |
| Perfumer | Holy Oud |
Holy Oud is known for its rich fragrances and Luban Leather lives up to the reputation. It’s a very captivating woody fragrance that feels very Middle Eastern. The saffron pairs wonderfully with leather and woody notes for a perfume perfect to grab attention in the evenings.
3. Penhaligon’s Halfeti Leather EDP
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Penhaligon’s |
| Best for | Unisex |
| Fragrance Family | Leather |
| Notes | Top: Plum, Cardamom, Lavender, Citruses, Bergamot and Green Notes Middle: Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Rose, Cumin, Violet and Jasmine Base: Leather, Incense, Agarwood (Oud), Cedar and Patchouli |
| Release year | 2020 |
| Longevity | Over 10 hours |
| Projection | High |
| Perfumer | Christian Provenzano |
Halfeti Leather is infused with the spicy goodness of nutmeg, cinnamon, cardamom and cumin, creating a rich spicy scent. It lasts forever, transitioning from the sweetness typical of the Halfeti line to surround you in incense. It doesn’t bid farewell without a show, awing the sense with beautiful wood and earthy patchouli that enrich the leather central to this perfume.
4. Memo African Leather EDP
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Memo |
| Best for | Unisex |
| Fragrance Family | Leather |
| Notes | Top: Egyptian Geranium Absolute, Guatemala Cardamom, Pink Pepper CO2, Saffron Middle: Cinnamon, Indonesian Patchouli, Rose Base: Leather, Amber, Oud |
| Release year | 2015 |
| Longevity | Over 8 hours |
| Projection | High |
| Perfumer | Memo |
Memo is known for its many leather scents, but African Leather is the one that grabbed every perfume lover’s attention. It evokes memories of walking through a spice market at the first spray, the earthiness of patchouli and vetiver joining us later. The leather isn’t overpowering, rather fresh and flowing beautifully into the aromatic accords that make this a well balanced fragrance.
5. Tom Ford Ombré Leather Parfum
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Tom Ford |
| Best for | Unisex |
| Fragrance Family | Floral Leather |
| Notes | Top: Violet Leaf, Cedar Middle: Jasmine Sambac, Orris Base: Leather, Woody Notes, Tobacco |
| Release year | 2021 |
| Longevity | Over 10 hours |
| Projection | Moderate |
| Perfumer | Sonia Constant |
The leather is made soft and supple with mild florals. The violet leaves bring a fresh green sensation, almost like tea. It’s a parfum edition to the original Ombré leather but is much softer, more complex, and easier to wear. This is a leather that you can wear on most days without fear of putting people off.
Buy wonderfully rich leather perfumes and more at the best perfume store in the UAE – V Perfumes, online and in store, for the best prices and quality.
