Not usually my cup of tea, but the name really stood out and it’s rated highly on Fragrantica with a 4.37/5. Plus the perfumer is Antoine Maisondieu so expectations were on the higher side. So here’s what I think. It opens up super bright, almost like a flashbang of citrus and spices, with lemon, bergamot, saffron, and pepper (even though pepper is listed as a mid note). After a few minutes, the citrus brightness mellows and the spices and aromatics take centre stage. Nutmeg and clary sage come through, then leather makes a grand entrance. It’s a black leather, reminiscent of the luxurious dashboard of a high-end car. Very unique in my opinion. I’m usually not a fan of leather notes, but this one really appeals to me. As it fully dries down, the citrus disappears, spices linger faintly, and sandalwood and patchouli take over the final phase. The blending is superb for a fragrance at this price point. I’ve never tried any of SF’s offerings before, but they seem underrated. This one feels best suited for older, mature men. It works well both casually and dressed up, but leans more towards cool or cold weather. Performance is the underwhelming part. I sprayed nearly 1 ml, yet it didn’t last longer than 6 hrs. Projection was about 1 ft for the first hour before it gradually became a skin scent. In a way, that’s not a bad thing. It gets noticed without overpowering anyone nearby. It lasts nicer and longer on clothes. I do wonder if the sample I tried affected performance, so a full bottle might bring at least a 30% boost. If you love leather fragrances, definitely sample this one. While many call it a blind buy, I’ve seen reviews saying it develops very differently on each person. For me, it’s a bright citrus, fresh spicy, clean leathery scent. It’s a really nice fragrance. I don’t love it because the opening gives off a slight mothball vibe, but if I had to pick a leather-forward scent, this would be my choice. I excluded performance from the score since it might be sample-related. Based on profile, blend, versatility, and price, I’d give it an 8.2/10. If I get the kind of performance others claim, I’d bump it to 8.5/10. I might pick up a bottle if I find it for under £50.

After reading @Jonathan Ventura Post about labeling. Everything is about Labels, even in the designer world, where an independent person making clothes and accessories can never compete with the bigger upscale designer houses. Just like in perfumery, where Niche / Artisan is top of the line as far as quality and artistry. In the fashion world, Designers are the Niche and the independents are the designers. So the role reverses. If you look at the designer fragrances, they are mass-produced and most often Generic and safe. If you look at independent clothing brands that sell accesories and clothing and shoes at Walmart and Kmart and go to a store that sells LV or Dior look at the diffrence. Look at the red carpet at a Hollywood event, you cannot even count the Dior, Ysl and Hugo Boss, Chanel Dresses and gowns strolling down the Aisle. Look hat Ralph Lauren how many elite wear this brand. So everything has a label, but they all live in their own worlds. so why do people buy designer frags? People buy designer fragrances, even if they seem "nothing special," for brand prestige, accessibility, trend alignment, and the comfort of familiar, crowd-pleasing scents; they offer an affordable entry into luxury, convey personal style/status, boost confidence/mood, and feature quality ingredients and beautiful packaging, making them ideal for everyday wear or gifts. Key Reasons for Purchase: - Brand & Status: Wearing scents from famous fashion houses (like Dior, Chanel) associates the wearer with that brand's luxury image, offering a sense of status and belonging. - Accessibility & Familiarity: They're easier to find (ubiquitous) and often smell pleasant and familiar to many, making them safe choices for daily wear or gifting. - Mood & Identity: Fragrance boosts mood, reduces stress, and helps create a personal brand or statement, making the wearer feel more confident and attractive. - Quality & Longevity: Many use quality, sometimes natural, ingredients and fixatives for a longer-lasting scent, justifying the cost beyond just the name. - Marketing & Nostalgia: Heavy marketing and association with celebrities create desire, while familiar notes can evoke positive memories, making them feel special. - The "It" Factor: Sometimes, a fragrance becomes popular because it's the scent of the moment, aligning with current trends or creating a sense of shared experience.