D.S. & Durga Leatherize EdP - 2023 Fragrance Foundation Finalist for Perfume Extraordinaire & Finalist for Universal Luxury Fragrance of the Year

Leatherize by D.S. & Durga is a Unisex Leather fragrance launched in 2022. The nose behind this fragrance is David Seth Moltz.  Notes of Butterscotch leather, cistus labdanum, cubeb, pale orris, cypriol, myrrh, and cade.

"I've always loved the idea that you could make a perfume a "leather." It's such a bold, badass category in general. It's a bit underground. A bit dangerous. Leather fumes run the gamut from fancy horse people, to bikers, to people of ill repute (like us!). This is a modern transparent leather that can instantly augment another perfume. Over rose, orange blossom, ylang, and other flowers, it's as if the petals turn to rawhide. Patchouli, incense and ambers are obvious friends." - DS Durga

I've always loved the idea that you could make a perfume a "leather." It's such a bold, badass category in general. It's a bit underground. A bit dangerous. Leather fumes run the gamut from fancy horse people, to bikers, to people of ill repute (like us!). This is a modern transparent leather that can instantly augment another perfume. Over rose, orange blossom, ylang, and other flowers, it's as if the petals turn to rawhide. Patchouli, incense and ambers are obvious friends." - DS Durga


REVIEWS

Fragrantica - "If you've smelled the fantastic Amber Kiso by the same house you should know what to expect here. To my nose it's the same leather accord created for Amber Kiso, only a bit stronger, and with all the wood and subtle sweetness stripped away. The result is a very minimalist and impressively realistic leather scent, that's quite dry and astringent. It opens Smokey with just a tinge of meatiness that might give a slight bbq impression. As it dries it becomes more translucent and slightly rubbery. It reminds me of the smell of the inside of a new pair of leather sneakers."
"My initial layering attempt was mixed. I added it to Valentino Uomo Intense (a frag I only half like) which has a barely detectable leather note in it's opening. Leatherize took over pretty quickly and the saffron and castoreum didn't play well. So some care is obviously needed when layering. They suggest florals and ambers. Unsurprisingly it smells great with Amber Kiso, taking it in a stronger leather direction. It puts a little more cowboy in Cowboy Grass as well."
"In short, this is a fun but overpriced fragrance toy that more or less works as advertised. If you are just looking for a leather perfume I'd go for Amber Kiso first, but if you love leather and tinkering with fragrances you should love this as well."

Update: "Ends up being more versatile and addictive than I thought. Already wishing I had gone for 100ml instead of 50 so upgrading my score."

Fragrantica - "So good! This is perfect for what it's going for. I was excited at the concept/notes, but also prepared to be somewhat let down because that's a lot to deliver. I love leather as a note, but it's easy for it to go too greasy, or too animalic, or dusty, etc. This really hits the nail on the head as an excellent standalone, well-balanced leather! It works really well on it's own, and I also tried layering it - so far so good on that front too. DS & Durga can be really hit or miss, but this is a huge hit for me." 

Fragrantica - "This is awesome! I've been wearing it alone and layered up, really enjoying it this fall. Straight up leather, but it gets creamy, soft and round in the heart and base.  
I wore it with gaiac 10 and I felt like the smoky facets of gaiac 10 were amplified in a truly stunning way. Love this house and I think they really shine at these layering fragrances, as I don't know what and Crystal Pistil (rip) are my favorite offerings."

Fragrantica - "This is dead on, dead to rights leather. It's kind of amazing. It smells like a brand new leather jacket. Just a touch of animalic, a little rubberiness. I didn't really get much smokiness, which I expected from the cade oil. Pretty much just leather. If you are trying to leather up an existing fragrance, or if you just want to smell like straight up leather, there is a good chance you will love this."