Leather Oudh

Conclusion

Wearing Leather Oudh versus the inspiration is trading polish for raw power. You gain a louder, more projecting experience initially but lose the refined elegance and lasting complexity of the original. The drydown is where the biggest discrepancy lies – the clone's synthetic fade lacks the luxurious depth and rich finish of Tom Ford's masterpiece. It is a bold statement, perfect for projecting confidence, but it lacks the nuanced sophistication of its muse.

Olfactory Experience

Leather Oudh explodes with a bold, somewhat medicinal cherry at the start - closer to cherry cough drops than fresh fruit, tinged with a sharp, almost peppery thyme. The olibanum adds a smoky incense undertone, grounding the sweetness. The heart reveals a rough, worn leather accord. It is not buttery-smooth, but rather possesses a raw, tanned hide character. Jasmine peeks through but quickly fades. The drydown unfortunately loses much of the opening's complexity, devolving into a plasticky suede and vague woody notes. The amber sweetens it slightly, preventing it from becoming completely flat, but a faint, chemical undercurrent persists.

Performance Reality Check

Leather Oudh has impressive staying power. It lingers on skin for around 7-8 hours. Projection is strong for the first two hours, easily filling a room at arm's length. It becomes more intimate after that. I wore this during a rainy afternoon browsing vintage shops and later to an outdoor cocktail party.