Some perfumes make me feel like a crummy perfume blogger and Chanel Cuir de Russie in the Exclusifs Collection is one of those perfumes that gives me those feelings. Don’t get me wrong, I like Cuir de Russie and enjoy wearing it. It’s so Chanel and it’s no doubt a classic; however, I find I don’t really have much to say about it. I wish I had a story to tell you or I could come up with wonderful associations, but I don’t. I like Cuir de Russie because it smells like a Chanel.
Cuir de Russie is orange blossom soap and a subtle leather, like leather gloves. It opens with fatty, peach-like aldehydes and effervescent citrus. As far as leathers go, I don’t find it “rugged” or brash. It’s like a really luxurious, smooth Russian leather. And then it wears in that “classic” Chanel way that makes it something you either love or hate. It’s very Chanel-y iris with Chanel-y jasmine. And powder but it’s the sort of powder that is covering up some really indolic funk (I’ll call it funk, some call it sh*t, go with what you like). Cuir de Russie has always reminded me of an equestrian flapper.
Now there are many Chanel and perfume books out there that tell the story of Cuir de Russie – Coco, Russian lovers and more. If you’re into that, just read one of the books. They have much more to say that I do (and some evidence to back it all up). I just thought it was Cuir de Russie because Russian leather is a luxurious thing (leather tanned with birch oil) and well, Chanel was a luxury line, but whatever. That’s a boring point a view. Bring on the reading of others’ affairs.
Notes listed include orange blossom, bergamot, mandarin, sage, iris, jasmine, rose, ylang-ylang, cedarwood, vetiver, styrax, leather, amber and vanilla. Originally launched in 1927. PERFUMER – Ernest Beaux
Give Cuir de Russie a try if you like leather scents or classic scents. Or if you like perfumes like Chanel Cristalle EDP, Caron Narcisse Blanc, Caron Narcisse Noir, Parfums Retro Grand Cuir and/or Lancôme Cuir de Lancôme. Cuir de Russie is unisex.
Longevity and projection are average for an EDT. And this is why I prefer the parfum over the EDT 🙂
Cuir de Russie EDT comes in two sizes 6.8 oz ($280) and 2.5 oz ($160) at Chanel.
Victoria’s Final EauPINION – Powdery leather floral. It’s really Chanel-ish.
Want more reviews? Try…
I also like Cuir de Russie and enjoy wearing it (well, for most of its duration), but there’s a smokiness that I struggle with a bit. I like the idea of smoke, but for a few minutes in there, I can’t get the idea out of my head that it smells like meat. I have this problem often with smoky fragrances, and I wonder if I’m the only one. Fortunately, that part doesn’t last long, and the drydown is spectacular.
It does have smokiness but it isn’t overwhelming on my skin. It’s that birch tar. It does give a feeling of “campfires” or “smoked meats”! I would say you’d have a hard time with perfumes like Tauer Lonestar Memories or Le Labo Patchouli 24…both of those are like a grill.
I’m not one to mention vintages because they’re difficult to find and can vary so much (because of date, storage, etc). Anyway, I tried a vintage Chanel No. 5 and it was absolutely stunning. It’s base reminded me very much of modern Cuir de Russie except it was even more luxurious. I wish they’d make one just like the base of vintage Chanel No. 5!
I guess I like smoked meats. I really like Patchouli 24. I just bought a small decant. 🙂
I always get compliments from David when I wear the smoked meat scents…
I’m hoping to try the extrait soon. I also want to try the extrait of Chanel Beige. Also Very Chanel…. Classy Uptown Lady that works in real estate. That’s my mental picture of Beige. Or maybe the mom in Steel Magnolias.
OMG, Beige is sooo the mom in Steel Magnolias!
The extraits are so nice. I’m planning on buying Coco in extrait and believe it or not, 1932. 1932 as an extrait is this rich jasmine/iris, once again, it’s very Chanel.
Wow! Now I’m dying to try 1932! I love Chanel and I’m dying to try their limited edition highlighter. It looks so pretty in the email.
1932 is on my list. Well, that a bazillion other things 😉
That holiday collection is gorgeous. I was really surprised I didn’t end up buying it all.
I usually love smoky and leathery fragrances, but when I got a sample of this, it was sadly more burning rubber than equestrian flapper for me.
I really don’t get as much leather/smoke in comparison to some of the other reviews that I’ve read. For me it’s like Chanel iris and jasmine with some well, barnyard. I really get more “funk” than leather.
I actually would have been happy with more burning rubber in this. Oh, us perfume people, we’re a messed up bunch 🙂
[…] Aleksandr a try if you like cool florals or floral-leathers. Or if you like perfumes like Chanel Cuir de Russie, Floris Mahon Leather, L’Artisan Parfumeur Verte Violette, Andrea Maack Smart and/or […]
[…] heritage perfume brands have a Russian leather fragrance. (One of the most popular ones to date is Chanel’s Cuir de Russie). This concept was very popular in the early 20th century. I’ve always liked Russian leather […]