Cuir canage Well I was really anticipating trying this fragrance I'd actually walked past the Dior counter several times since this has been out but didn't try it. Finally got around to it and hadn't actually read the note breakdown beforehand. All I knew was... 1) This is a boutique Dior and as such is probably great. and... 2) That 'Cuir' means leather which makes me automatically very curious . Anyway 1) I was right there, this is a classy and well put together fragrance to add to the rest of this collection. 2) The leather note is well executed and softer than is anticipated. I was expecting the slap in the face of strength like leather Oud but it didn't come. The opening is a mixture of leather and powdery iris which I was taken with in the beginning, That leather note seemed sweeter and more appealing. As Cuir canage dries down it becomes increasingly more floral and the waxy white and yellow floral accord comes on strong. I seriously didn't detect any neroli in the opening but around 10 mins later it was growing and growing. It's clever though because it has the sweetness of jasmine the clean waxy strength of neroli and the signature of ylang ylang. The leather element is softer now after several hours (about 7) but still distinctively present and reminiscent (is spirit) of something like Midnight In Paris. Personally, I'm not sure I like leather and white florals in combination but I can't deny it's very well balanced in this composition and I can understand how many would like this fragrant offering. Truly a blend of the masculine and feminine and remains complex for hours. Quality is superb, longevity is excellent and has good sillage and projection but I'm not feeling it because of those florals which are a bit sour for me to the point where I wouldn't wear it. I've enjoyed the experience of wearing it this one time though.
Can't be bothered scrolling down to find my original review of this, but upon it's release I found it a kind of sickening, mangled waxy floral, leather with that Cuir 174500 base (Knize etc) but far less palatable. Now unless the formula I've just sampled again recently is significantly different to when it came out, I friggin' love Cuir Cannage!!! And paradoxically I would change a thing about my description above! It is a knize,waxy floral with a fruity, sugary, nectar sweetness in the opening, drying down to a very traditional, powdery floral musk and leather flesh. I think it's hindsight, knowing that Demachy didn't really make anything of note after this point, or it could be my taste (most probable) or it could be that reformulation thing, I remember it being harsh and, unforgiving. lumpy. It's none of those things, I enjoy it. Shame it's discontinued but the friend who's bottle I tried might be selling it, so could still be on the cards yet.
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Dior are known for their impeccable execution of the famous Iris and leather combination, and Cuir Cannage is easily the best of them. This is a scent which is so effortlessly refined and sophisticated, oozing class and wealth whilst remaining perfectly polite. This Iris flower accord is very light and airy, with a gentle powdery aspect about it - not like the typical thick dustiness of orris. Highlighted by buttery ylang and soapy white florals, before delving into a rich, crisp leather. This is not the rugged leather of an old jacket, but instead the crisp glossiness of bespoke Italian dress shoes. There’s a delicate aromatic greenness which blends into the background seamlessly, providing lift and masculinity. I absolutely love this. It’s bittersweet sampling it because I know how difficult it is to find. I know that my collection will never feel complete until I own this utter masterpiece, it would easily be my go-to scent to wear when I’m dressed up to the nines.