Roman Leather

The Verdict

Wearing Roman Leather is like opting for a rugged leather jacket from a vintage shop instead of a sleek designer piece. You gain a certain raw, unapologetic character. You lose some of the sophistication and seamless blending found in the original. It's a bold statement, best suited for cooler weather when you want to project confidence and a touch of rebellious spirit. It's good for evenings and events but be mindful that the opening will fill a room.

How it Smells

Roman Leather bursts open with a medicinal blast. Think cherry cough syrup laced with an assertive incense note, almost church-like. The saffron is detectable, adding a slight metallic tang, diverging from the smoother, raspberry-tinged opening of its inspiration. The leather emerges quickly, a raw, freshly tanned hide – less refined, more work boot than designer. As it dries, a sueded texture tries to soften the experience, but it's undercut by a persistent, slightly plasticky woody base. The jasmine is nearly undetectable, adding only a whisper of sweetness.

The Performance Stats

I got a solid 6-7 hours of wear, with projection initially reaching just beyond arm's length before settling closer to the skin. I wore it during a rainy afternoon while running errands; it held up well, cutting through the dampness. However, it felt a bit too assertive for a confined space like a car.