Leather can be many things – stern military boots, a worn-in saddle, a comfy chair. Cuir Garamante is a leather jacket – thick but supple – worn by a mysterious man who travels the world for reasons he keeps to himself. Journalist? Jewel thief? Spy? This is a jacket that has been to spice bazaars and state dinners and secret parties. It has snuck into palaces and jumped out of planes and hidden in opium dens. The opening has a tantalizing spiciness swirled with a swoony, boozy sweetness. Rich saffron, delicious nutmeg and sultry rose pave the way for the luxurious leather that is the central player. Although this leather does have the creamy aspect we love, it also has simmering animalic sensuality. It's a little bit rough, a little bit dirty and deeply sexy. Oud-like incense and sharp papyrus heighten the edgier qualities, while vanilla and sandalwood add a luscious warmth and smoothness. Weaving in and out is labdanum – smoky, sweetly resinous and mesmerizing. Addictive and fiendishly attractive – this is an outstanding interpretation of leather, one of our favorite notes.
