Our take
What does Leather Oud smell like?
Dior added Leather Oud to La Collection Privée in 2010, one of seven new launches entrusted to François Demachy. He said he wanted to evoke saddle leather, a wood fire and sand. The opening takes no prisoners. Clove and cardamom almost burn, and a honeyed accent gives it a thick warmth. Leather arrives fast, dry and a bit animalic. The oud never stands apart as a single note. It blends into the structure and pushes the smoke further. Over time guaiac, cedar and sandalwood soften the whole thing. What remains is tanned skin that smells like a harness left in the sun. Tom Ford's Oud Wood is softer and creamier by comparison, and Leather Oud goes for grit instead. People are sharply divided on it. Some smell a stable, others call it the finest leather in the line. Recent bottles are said to be less dense than the early ones.
When to wear it
A winter scent for evenings and well-ventilated rooms. One spray on the chest is plenty, ideally under a shirt.
It belongs to the Leather family. Leather Oud is one of 56 creations by Dior in our encyclopedia.
