Russian Leather

Memo Paris's Russian Leather, released in 2016 and composed by Alienor Massenet, is a woody, aromatic scent in which leather plays a supporting role: nearly everyone describes it as woody, two thirds add aromatic, and about a third pick out spice and leather, with a minority finding it green or lightly sweet.

The notes are listed without a pyramid, but they fall into clear groups. Herbs such as mint, basil, rosemary, lavender and clary sage give it a cool, bracing freshness. Pine, cypress and cedar needles supply the forest, resinous and slightly sharp, with cedar and guaiac wood underneath. Leather, coriander and nutmeg add the warmth and a touch of spice, and tonka bean softens the drydown.

It is worn by anyone. Most wearers report moderate longevity, with a quarter finding it long lasting, and sillage is moderate for most, so it is not a loud leather. Autumn comes first in the seasonal votes with spring second, and it leans slightly towards day. It suits someone after a crisp, herbal leather for walks and daytime rather than an evening statement.

Russian Leather — unisex fragrance by Memo Paris (released 2016). Notes: Basil, Cedar, Cedar Needles, Clary Sage, Coriander, Cypress, Fern, Guaiac Wood, Lavender, Leather, Mint, Nutmeg, Patchouli, Pine Tree, Rosemary, Russian Leather, Tonka Bean. — Parfica open fragrance database