Sabah Bois (Rodrigo Flores-Roux and Carlos Huber) 2023 + Exceptional Leather Giveaway.

Sabah Bois

Sabah Bois photo by Rachel©

I love an origin story where experience living in a new land and a little bit of happenstance combine to change someone’s life. This is exactly how Mickey Ashmore, founder of Sabah (meaning morning in Turkish), started his own handmade shoe company in New York City in 2013 after spending time as an expat based out of Turkey. Thanks to a pair of leather slippers gifted to him by his girlfriend’s family, his life was literally flipped upside down. Today, 10 years later, Sabah has six brick & mortar locations around the U.S. where these colorful and elegantly comfortable Turkish slippers are sold and, of course, a thriving online business.

Mickey Ashmore of Sabah

 Mickey Ashmore, founder of Sabah, in Turkey (courtesy of the brand)

Most Sabah shoes are made by a local family-owned business in Gaziantep, Turkey, a small town near the Syrian border. In such a short time, Sabah has grown from just 5 craftspeople and a few of stitchers to almost 70 craftspeople in a brand new facility just a few blocks from the original workshop. This area was hit hard by the earthquake earlier this year and Sabah not only raised tens of thousands of dollars in donations that went directly to those affected in the region but also provided much needed stability to the employees and their families during such a tragic time.

The story of how Mr. Ashmore came to the decision too develop a Sabah fragrance is not clear (perhaps based on his years of living in Turkey and travelling around the world), he certainly would understand the cultural importance of scent in completing your personal style.

The first sign that Mr. Ashmore takes the creation of his first eau de parfum to heart is that he collaborated with one of the best teams in the fragrance industry, Fragrance Designer Carlos Huber of Arquiste and Master Perfumer Rodrigo Flores-Roux, Vice of Perfumery at Givaudan. In addition to Huber and Flores-Roux working together on the extensive collection for Arquiste since 2011 (some of the early perfumes also with Yann Vasnier), they have collaborated with J. Crew and Vacation, creating scents that encapsulate the DNA of these brands. Every perfume they have created stands out from the crowded market of designer and niche fragrances.

Carlos Huber of Arquiste and Rodrigo Flores Roux

Carlos Huber and Rodrigo Flores-Roux (courtesy of Givaudan)

This first perfume, Sabah Bois, is certainly a mix of East & West, transporting you straight from N.Y.C. to Istanbul and the far reaches beyond. It is much appreciated when a scent does not shy away from its brand’s origins and Bois takes the entire story into account as it weaves aromas found around the world and ties them back to the smooth, rich leather used to craft Sabah’s renowned slippers.

Herbal notes of thyme and fir balsam start Sabah Bois off with a crisp green woodiness taking me to the shops in the markets of the Middle East selling hand carved inlaid boxes and tables. The incense and resins swirl throughout just as they would in a traditional souq. The smoke is green and just a touch lemony, I feel the dustiness of wood shavings and jars of hand mixed bukhoor (incense) lining the walls of the crowded tiny shops.

Sabah Slippers

Sabah leather slippers, courtesy of Sabah

As you travel through the tiny alleyways, you stumble upon the area full of leather goods and textiles being stitched into a personally tailored ensemble. The scent of Sabah Bois is a perfect rendition of the traditional leather slippers found across the Middle East from Morocco to Lebanon. Smooth and glove-like leather with layers of dry patchouli mix with the wisps of incense that continuously burn in each market stall. Sabah Bois creates an aura of elegance that traverse vast oceans and deserts.

Carlos Huber and Rodrigo Flores-Roux have created an exceptional perfume in collaboration with Mickey Ashmore. It is always delightful to find a fragrance that captures the brand’s aesthetic so completely. Whether you are in the market for some new (and in my opinion very cool looking) shoes and apparel or not, I highly recommend you check out Bois Sabah as for your own olfactive journey.  Who knows where you will end up?

Notes: cypress, wild thyme, elemi resin, fir balsam, nutmeg, desert sage, frankincense, styrax, cedar wood, leather, patchouli, guaiac wood, smoke

Disclaimer: Review is based on a bottle of Sabah Bois generously provided by the brand.  My opinions are my own.

Rachel Watson, Senior Contributor

Editor’s note:  I have known ARQUISTE founder Architect and designer, Mexican born Carlos Huber for over a decade, (Rodrigo Flores-Roux even longer) and the team at ÇaFleureBon has reviewed every fragrance since the collection of “Olfactive Architecture” debuted in 2011. – Michelyn Camen, Editor-in-Chief

You can watch Steven Gavrielatos’ recent video review of Arquiste’s most recent release, Indigo Smoke.

Sabah Bois perfume

Sabah Bois courtesy of the brand

Thanks to the generosity of Sabah, we have a 50 ml bottle of Sabah Bois for one registered reader in the US. You must register or your entry will not count. To be eligible, please leave a comment saying what sparks your interest about Rachel’s review and that you live in the USA. Draw closes 6/8/2023

Follow us on Instagram @cafleurebonofficial @dubaiscents @thesabahdealer @arquistecarlos @arquiste @rodrigofloresroux

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32 comments

  • I love leather fragrances and I’ve wanted a pair of Sabahs since I first laid eyes on them…though I’m afraid they’re a little too spendy for me. So maybe Sabah Bois will scratch both these itches? Thanks for the draw! I’m in Oklahoma, USA.

  • Very interesting to learn the story of the brand and how it has built up into this perfume as well! Sounds like a beautiful combination of scents. Thanks for sharing!
    – from Brooklyn, New York

  • The word Sabah is almost the same word of morning in my native language. The fragrance is inspire by both the east and the west, which makes sense as Turkey is located almost on the edge where Asia and Europe meat. The composition with herbal tones pays tribute to the bazaars that exist in so many eastern countries. I am in US.

  • First off, shoutout to the people at Sabah for providing a bit of stability to the families of workers that have suffered from the earthquake. I love the picture that Rachels paints here. Going through a market, meeting the different vendors, and exploring the different products has always been fun to me. I love leather, smoky, dark fragrances with a bit of warmness so this sounds like something up my alley.
    Cheers from Illinois, USA.

  • Regis Monkton says:

    After reading from Rachel’s review, I’m intrigued to try Sabah “Bois”. I’m part Turkish and I’ve been to Istanbul twice, and I’d like to see if “Bois” reminds me of anything I’ve smelled while in Istanbul. Right now, my main leather fragrance is “Gucci Guilty Absolute Pour Homme” (which I like), and I’d like to add more leather fragrances to my collection. Judging by the way Rachel described this fragrance, I’d truly like to try it, and I also like most of its notes. I live in the U.S.A.

  • As Rachel said in her review, everything that the fine folks at Arquiste have created over the last 12 years has stood out from the crowd. They have made some truly magnificent scents such as Nanban, Misfit, and the criminally underrated Sydney Rock Pool. I am confident that this collaborative release with Sabah will be no different. I love that the fragrance is based on the founder’s journey in creating a successful business and brand. The notes sound simply delectable as well.Leather with incense? Yes, please! I’d love to get my nose on this one. I think I will check out some of their footwear as well. Best of luck to everyone. I live in NC, USA.

  • Bonnie Beck says:

    This perfume review beautifully captures the essence of Sabah Bois, transporting you to the bustling markets and narrow alleyways of the Middle East. The description of the smooth and glove-like leather, combined with the dry patchouli and wisps of incense, evokes a sense of authenticity and cultural richness. It’s evident that Sabah Bois exudes an aura of elegance that transcends boundaries, making it a captivating fragrance for those seeking a captivating olfactory journey.
    From California, US

  • Johnmc5000 says:

    A trip to Turkey is always something I have wanted to take.
    The spices and the smells have always been intriguing to me.
    I also love the look of the shoes and when and if I get a pair the first thing I will do is smell them.
    The notes sound amazing.
    Thanks for the giveaways.
    Oklahoma USA

  • FragranceIsMe says:

    A kind gesture was the inspiration for what has become a successful business. I like how a kind gesture replayed out when tragedy struck and Mickey was able to help those affected by the earthquake…a wonderful article.
    Now this fragrance offers a beautiful array of notes and two master perfumers in Carlos Huber and Rodrigo Flores-Roux equating to what I believe will provide the olfactive journey to Turkey. I’m looking forward to it.
    USA

  • ianbradleyandrews says:

    I love the sabah shoes and Arquiste perfume so this sounds like a match made in heaven. Plus the leather sounds divine. Id love to win this and I live in Indiana.

  • I love leather. I remember playing baseball in my early years thru high school I used to stick my face in my glove to get a sniff.

    I can imagine this to be similar. My lack of biceps would be in face every time.

    Thanks for the giveaway from the USA

  • What a fabulous success story! I’m a fan of smoky fragrances and would love to experience Sabah Bois. The thyme, smoke, sage and frankincense notes sound perfect. Thanks for the wonderful opportunity. Mich USA

  • castlemicro says:

    Hello from Florida, and thank you to Rachel for the review! This scent sounds warm and comforting, like a favorite pair of slippers — I’d love to give it a try.

  • Shoes and perfume, two of my favorite things! I love leather scents so this sounds perfect. I’m in the USA.

  • joshuabrian says:

    Sounds great. Rodrigo is such a great perfumer. Thanks for the opportunity. From USA.

  • johnmadison says:

    Thank you for the review of Sabah Bois, Rachel!
    I have such fond memories of my visit to Istanbul back in 2012. I had a friend that worked in a bag shop in the Grand Bazaar and I spent a few days working at the shop with him helping him sell bags to English speaking tourists. One of the most vivid parts of these memories is the smells of the bazaar, and really Istanbul as a whole. The smell of the leather from the bags he sold was rich and mysterious and I find myself longing to get my nose on that exact time again.
    I remember opening my suitcase upon returning home, and my bag smelled of everything from Istanbul’s markets. A hand carved wood Tin Tin head, a leather backpack, safron and other spices and a smokiness that seemed to linger on every souvenir I purchased there.
    I would so love to experience this fragrance and be transported back to that amazing place. Turkey captured inside that beautiful bottle fills me with a desire to discover what’s inside.
    I am John, from Minnesota, USA!

  • Trinity33 says:

    Fascinating story of Mickey Ashmore and how Sabah was established. I would expect a fragrance associated with a handmade shoe company to be leather focused and it sounds like Sabah Bois mimics the smooth leather of the namesake slippers bolstered by herbs, spice and woods. I’m familiar with Rodrigo Flores-Roux’s work so I know this composition must be exceptional. MD, USA

  • minteacup says:

    Love the story here! I also enjoyed perusing the boutique’s website, the “Baba” mules are calling me. The Sabah Bois fragrance of course, sounds like a savory, elegant treat based on Rachel’s review. Flores-Roux is a prolific perfumer but my personal favorites from him are his florals for Frassai. I would be delighted to try Sabah Bois, it sounds effortless to wear, rustic yet luxuriously tailored, much like a pair of those aforementioned handcrafted slippers. I am in the US, thank you for the draw.

  • The breakdown of all these balsamic notes along with the leather/smoke is what captures my attention. I’ve been enjoying Issey Miyake Noir Argent lately which is a leather scent supported by balsamic notes (frankincense, myrrh, labdanum) and spices (nutmeg) but this scent has more of each along with the smoke note that I’m interested in trying. US-California here, thank you.

  • AromaDulce73 says:

    What an interesting story behind this fragrance. Real interested in smelling the leather in this one. I’m sure it will transport me to tiny alley ways where leather shoes and bags are sold.

    Los Angeles, California USA

  • Ken White says:

    I don’t know much about these type of shoes, but seem like they are comfortable. I’d wear them if I could.
    I am a huge Rodrigo Flores-Roux fan. “Smooth and glove-like leather with layers of dry patchouli mix with the wisps of incense that continuously burn in each market stall.” I love this fragrance combination and can imagine the scent! New Jersey, USA

  • Great review by Rachel, as always.
    I love trying new perfumes and discover new brands, and Sabah seems like something I really need to try.
    I love the mix of East and West, also I love leather in perfumery, one of my favorite perfumes have this amazing note. I think that adding Rodrigo Flores-Roux to the team here was an absolute win.
    I hope I win this one
    USA here.

  • I’ve been on Sabah’s mailing list and never did try a pair of their slippers, but they’re beautiful footwear and visually both distinct and striking. I had no idea Ashmore was developing a Sabah fragrance. Sabah Bois sounds quite complex: woody herbal notes, smoky incense, leather, patchouli. I really like that they managed to capture the scent of leather slippers in a market stall so clearly, while also creating a blend that sounds very wearable and dynamic. Really cool concept well executed. Great review, Rachel.

    I’m in the USA. Thanks for the giveaway!

  • RonaldProkes17 says:

    I love how Rachel’s review really painted the picture of stumbling upon a hidden gem store in a local bazaar. The incense and leather notes in this perfume sound so amazing. I am a sucker for middle eastern fragrances or compositions inspired by that tradition of perfumery, so I would love to try this lovely collaboration! It sounds like such a colourful delight of a perfume!

    Located in California, USA.

  • The review takes us to Turkey in a vivid and visual style that I really appreciate, interwoven with the idea of scent that brings us all here. Very well done!
    I live in the US

  • wallygator88 says:

    Thank you for the great review Rachel. All of your Middle Eastern street cred go into making this fragrance a wonderfully enticing one.

    I love that Sabah was started with a love for Turkish sandals and that this fragrance is reminiscent of the markets/souq. I would often visit the ones in the country that i grew up in and I have vivid memories of the smell of warm spices, bakhour, frankinsence and the warm ocean air (since the souq was close to the Corniche).

    The fact that this is a leather fragrance makes it all the more appealing.

    Cheers from WI, USA

  • Farewellsmell says:

    Rachel’s review of Sabah Bois was very informative and descriptive on both middle eastern scents and the overall setting. What really stood out to me was the Rachel describes Sabah Bois as smelling of the whole middle eastern experience of both exploring the markets and searching for Sabah slippers. This fragrance has an incredible composition of notes that I would love to smell in action,
    From USA, TX.

  • Michael Prince says:

    What sparks my interest about Rachel’s review of Sabah Bois is learning about how Mickey’s Ashmore’s life has changed when he was gifted a pair of leather slippers. From creating his shoe empire to his first fragrance Sabah Bois. I love this description Sabah Bois is a perfect rendition of the traditional leather slippers found across the Middle East from Morocco to Lebanon. Smooth and glove-like leather with layers of dry patchouli mix with the wisps of incense that continuously burn in each market stall. Sabah Bois creates an aura of elegance that traverse vast oceans and deserts. I am from the USA and would love to win this amazing leather based fragrance.

  • foreverscents says:

    I checked the Sabah website and fell in love with the Turkish slippers. So elegant and stylish! I am a big fan of Nanban from Arquiste. I like leather fragrances and also any fragrance that evokes a place, especially a place as sensual as Istanbul.
    I live in the USA.

  • Great review by Rachel of Sabah Bois. I was sparked by the way she describes the fragrance as being a mix between East and Wedt. From NYC to Istanbul. I love a fragrance with balance and is very elegant. Leather fragrances need to be well balanced and smooth. Thanks for the giveaway. Greetings from the USA.

  • Call it kismet. After purchasing Bo by Liis and scrolling through other various impressions and reviews, someone suggested Bois as a comparable companion today. Thus leading me down the rabbit hole of information and finding this review and offering in the final hours of the drawing.

    I’ve followed Sabah’s evolution for many years and am always tickled when one craft descends on the storied path of encapsulating their ethos through scent. Rachel has set a scene I’d only wish to live out in real-time, only making the experience of Bois all that more provocative. Salutations from Northern California!