Leather for Ladies: A Study of the Naughtiest Note, in Honor of Bettie Page’s Birthday

Bettie Page, who would have been 89 on April 22nd, is an icon of sexuality whose look and legacy has inspired many a budding glamour girl and modern burlesque queen. Her trademark bangs have become de rigueur for hipster women looking to recreate Bettie’s naughty-girl aura. What I have always liked about Bettie is the wholesomeness she projects through the sexual imagery, as if to say, “folks, this is all in good fun!” No matter how fetishistic her outfits or poses, there was always a sense of playfulness that lent a sense of innocence to the tableau, which in my mind made it all the sexier. Could that be the reason that her image is so enduring, because it is also so endearing?

An aroma that is a fitting accompaniment to lustful imagery is leather. Some might think that leather is a note reserved for masculine fragrances, but it can also be a dominant note in fragrances marketed to women. Ranging from the softest suede to rugged saddle leather, the underlying sexiness of leather cannot be denied. So, just for fun, I am selecting a few scents to accompany a variety of personas that Miss Page portrayed in her work.

The slightly prim but sexy bachelorette might wear Hermes Kelly Caleche or Heeley Cuir Pleine Fleur. Kelly Caleche has soft floral notes of mimosa, rose and iris, with a subtle, sueded leather peeking through. Only those who sit very close to you will sense your naughty side. Cuir Pleine Fleur is a bit more business-like, and has a more dominant leather note, but the leather is of the finest, most luxurious quality.  This also has mimosa, as well as violet, and although a bit less floral than Kelly Caleche, is definitely lady-like in demeanor. As lighthearted as both of these fragrances are, they still pair glamour and seduction, like the cleavage peeking out from under Bettie’s pearls.

A lady who is also a tempting seductress would be well-served by Chanel Cuir de Russie. This is a classic aldehydic Chanel through and through, and sumptuous as all get-out. It is a creamy floral leather that becomes a remarkable, lingering skin scent that would make any admirer want to nuzzle in a bit closer. If the trademark Chanel aldehydes are not your cup of tea, then Cuir de Lancome is the ticket. Also a beautiful, seductive, creamy leather, this one is a real standout. It is also dirt cheap, so if you are a temptress on a budget, look no farther. Either one of these fragrances would pair well with a slinky leopard-print negligee and come-hither gaze.

Now we come to the lady who is also a mistress of the night. Clad in leather, poised for supreme dominance, she will bring her admirers to their knees. Or else. No scent says “lady in leather” to me like Etat Libre d’Orange’s Vierges et Toreros. The heady allure of tuberose says “come here” while the intensely dark leather says “NOW”. This is a scent that speaks of almost narcotic sex, and wearing it will make anyone feel like a siren. Another deeply sexy leather scent is one marketed to men, but that ladies who mean business will also love: Parfums Regence Kolnisch Juchten. The leather is forceful and smoky like a true Russian leather should be, but tempered by rich, warm amber and patchouli notes. The almost sweet plushness of the aroma takes this scent from the realm of the country club and into a lady’s boudoir (or dungeon). It’s not easy to come by, which makes it even more alluring and coveted.

There are many leather scents on the market, and I know I have not included your favorite. I would enjoy hearing your experiences with the wonderful variety of perfumes in the leather world.

Tama Blough, Senior Editor

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15 comments

  • Tabac Blond, the only fragrance that makes me wish I smoked since leather fragrances were created during an era when women smoked. I love Betty Paige. She was such a Glamazon!

  • Loved this article.

    I just put Vierges et Toreros on my for test list. Sounds glorious!

    When I want to feel leathery I reach for Habanita by Molinard. Other leather favourites of mine are Gres Cabochard and Robert Piquet Bandit.

  • smokeytoes says:

    Hey Tama!
    You mentioned one of my favorite leathers, Chanel’s Cuir. I tried the extrait recently and loved it, it was so smooth and rich. I haven’t tried EdL’s Vierges, but your description makes me want to try it, it sounds like a woman who won’t take no for an answer for sure!

  • Tama, what a fun approach to the leather note! Every time I hear about the Heeley, I make a note to try it. Sounds lovely! The two leather fragrances that take my breath away are Caron En Avion and Guerlain Derby. I also enjoy the sweet and cuddly labdanum and leather combo in Parfumerie Generale’s L’Oiseau de Nuit.

  • Choosing Betty Page for this post is perfect. I was on a leather binge last autumn and fell for so many. On the “conservative” front, I loved grabbing Bottega V and SL Daim Blonde. On days where I didn’t have to worry about being office appropriate, I would grab Bel Ami, CdR, and Cuir. My favorite guilty pleasure was Smellbent’s sexy leather – Chastity Begins at Home.. There are so many to love.

  • Yes, Tabac Blond (or En Avion) with a good a smoke are definitely an experience! My greatest leather love is Tabac Blond. Habanita in Extrait concentration is fantastic, too. It’s hard to beat these. Knize Ten splashed can be heavenly *roar* good on a woman, too. Sadly, I have never got a chance to try the Koelnisch Juchten (it’s reformulated now, isn’t it?!).

  • noetic owl says:

    Although leather is not the most prominent note, Ineke’s Evening Edged in Gold is my favorite contemporary leather- reminds me of that wonderful smell of newly purchased leather gloves 🙂

  • Great article! Cuir de Lancome is a favorite of mine. I’ve read reviews that call it prissy, which I just don’t get at all; your mini review is much more accurate. Parfums d’Empire Cuir Ottoman is probably my favorite leather for it’s rich darkness.

  • nothing beats vintage balmain jolie madame; not that i haven’t tried many to see if they might. i will some day find a bit of Kolnisch Juchten. i will!

  • Wow, Tama! I didn’t realize that you were a Senior Editor. That’s great!

    I love Cabochard and Chanel CdR. If I could only have ONE scent, it would be CdR (and I love that top image of Bettie Page).

    Kelly Caleche is a mystery to me. I love it, covet it, swear by it in parfum (soooo good) but the edt doesn’t work for me at all. And the edp is nearly perfect, but it’s so high pitched that I worry that it will bother people. I think: does it smell like pee? It’s that grapefruit note.

    Any thoughts? I’ve never smelled this one on others– only on me. I wish that I could smell my own sillage…

  • Aubrey, I only have Kelly Caleche in the edt. I liked it better than the edp for reasons I have never quite pinned down. I would love to smell it in parfum!

  • I love both “cuirs” – Chanel’s and Lancome’s. A new leather scent that I tried recently and lked a lot – Cuir Ottoman by Parfum d’Empire. It smells like a future addition to my collection 😉

  • Tama: great article, wonderful images and I can’t think of a better “pin-up gal” for leather perfumes! 😀

    I love Madame Jolie (mmmmm!) and the original FENDI (technically a chypre; but an awesome leather note in that one, too).

    Also I love Cuir de Lancome myself, Rien (ELdO) has a great big ‘ole leather note in it and I adore Cabochard too!! There is also Cuir Ottoman by PdE as well…

    My college girlfriend was obsessed with Ms Page, and I am sending her a link to this one! Great work…