WHAT I SMELL: Grand Cuir opens with a citrus like orange blossom twist. It’s not what I was expecting as it’s not to heavy and there’s something rather salty, and tangy about the finish. I’m not quite sure what it is, but there is something here that reminds me of 1968 and going to the barber shop where the combination of sweat, oil and Brylcreem and dirt seemed to permeate the shop. Soon enough a slight soap makes an appearance along with this dryish birch and light petroleum note. After around 20 minutes or so, the florals come to surface and help to warm the fragrance, helping to even out the sharper tones of the opening. Then after a little more time, a bit of spice comes to play, but it peeks in an out rather than comes to the forefront. What I like about this fragrance is that Grand Cuir’s note are completely harmonic and therefore, none of the notes tends to dominate although you are always acutely aware that this is a leather fragrance. In the end, you’re left with a long-lasting fragrance that rides evenly and comfortably on your skin. There is something very nostalgic about Grand Cuir that I find appealing where it feels a bit forbidden, but at the same time by today’s standards comes off as rather innocent.
From Parfums Retro:
A fragrant composition in four parts:
- A leather soul from start to finish
- Spicy and herbaceous accents
- A multi-dimentional floral heart
- A comfortabel, relaxed base.
Grand Cuir Notes:
Cistus-labdanum, birch tar, clary sage, orange flower, lavender, carnation, rose, violet leaf, geranium, cinnamon leaf oil, tarragon, pine moss, sandalwood, rosewood, patchouli, musk, rosewood
WHAT IT SMELLS LIKE TO ME: I keep going back to the 1960s. It’s manly without being brutish and it’s comfortable without being sloppy.
THREE ADJECTIVES THAT DESCRIBE GRAND CUIR: nostalgic, easy, vintage
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT GRAND CUIR: Kafkaesque, Scents Memory, Perfume Project NW
BOTTOM LINE: As many of you know, leather is not one of my favorite notes. Grand Cuir is about as close to changing my mind that I have found. The leather isn’t hard, but instead is just slightly naughty…in a nostalgic way. I have noted that a couple of bloggers have named Grand Cuir on their “best of 2013” lists, including Kafkaesque and Eyeliner on a Cat, so I recommend that if you like leather fragrances (and even if you don’t), that you check Grand Cuir out!
- Bone Rating: 4 out of 5 possible bones
- Scent: Leather
- Nose: Hugh Spencer
- Classification: Leans masculine
- Expense: $155 for 100ml EdP
Disclosure: Product for review provided courtesy of Parfums Retro.
January 9, 2014 at 5:58 pm
I’m so glad you enjoyed this, even though you’re not really a leather guy. How impressive that it comes the closest to making you possibly change your mind about the note. I can see that. It’s very chic, and I love the mix (on my skin) of animalic and clean, crisp but warm. (BTW, thank you for the link love.) And welcome back from your time in Mexico. Most of all, happy 2014 to you and your hubby. I hope it’s a fantastic year for the both of you.
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January 11, 2014 at 3:18 pm
You always provide the best to link to my dear. Yes, there was something really different about this fragrance and it is one of those masterful “time in a bottle” scents that you come across every once in a while. It feels modern, but yet so familiar. xoxoxoxo
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January 9, 2014 at 9:07 pm
I think it is great that this is a leather that nearly changed your mind. It is interesting that we were both swept back to the 1960’s with this one. I really enjoyed reading your take on this one. One of the best of 2013 in my book too!
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January 11, 2014 at 3:20 pm
Lanier – there were all these memories that really came back to play with this. I don’t know if you had this chain of grocery stores down there, but my barber was next to the Red Owl grocery store and between the paneling, the tile floor and the dirt and hair tonics, this really took me back there. I love it when fragrances can do that.
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January 10, 2014 at 3:26 am
I love leather perfumes so I’ll definitely give this one a go. 🙂
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January 11, 2014 at 3:20 pm
Please do…I wonder if you’ll get the nostalgic feel that others get from it.
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January 10, 2014 at 4:25 am
the perfume sounds intriguing for sure
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January 11, 2014 at 3:21 pm
It’s a must try Lucas. However, since you weren’t around in the 60s I’m not sure you’ll get the same vibe from it!! 🙂
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January 10, 2014 at 10:50 am
Dearest Hound
That settles it…. I must get my hands on this. The fetish demands it!
Yours ever
The Perfumed Dandy
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January 11, 2014 at 3:21 pm
Dont’ mess with your fetish’s Mr. Dandy…get some now.
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January 10, 2014 at 11:49 pm
I can’t wait to get my sample. It sounds really fabulous! Great review, Houndy!
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January 11, 2014 at 3:22 pm
There’s nothing really feminine here my dear, I hope you like it.
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January 25, 2014 at 2:13 am
Even though I wasn’t around in 60s as well, I liked this one. It was a pleasant surprise: a very strong debut.
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