Imperial Leather
Cussons (1976)

A nice classic fougere with a slightly sweet opening. Cussons Imperial Leather Aftershave has been around since the 1970s, complimenting the companies range of hygiene products, the best known of which is the Imperial Leather soap. This aftershave has it's own DNA and it has a nice fresh opening with notes of vanilla, musk and moss. The lavender comes through early and as it blends with the vanilla it gives me a vague reminder of Caron Pour un Homme. As it begins to dry down there is a sweet citrus note that lingers for a short while, then the dry down becomes warm, more woody and mossy. The later dry-down sees this fragrance become a warm, classic barbershop scent with what I perceive as a faint leather accord. Cussons Imperial Leather Aftershave is a mild projecting fragrance and lasts as a skin scent for about 3 or 4 hours, not unreasonable for a supermarket brand aftershave. Also given that this is an aftershave in a splash bottle there is a good amount of rubbing alcohol which is noted in the opening, but it is not harsh or overpowering. Cussons Imperial Leather Aftershave is a very decent fresh, classic men's scent. Though it's release in this product range dates from the 1970s, this scent definitely links back to an earlier age of subtle, yet masculine mens fragrances. It is not as bold and heavy on the moss like typical masculine fougeres of the 70s. A good scent for an older gent and a nice change from Old Spice. In the context of what it is, a cheap, supermarket brand classic aftershave, I rate Cussons Imperial Leather Aftershave 4/5.

After many years I still find this perfume fresh, natural, masculine and sensuous. It is still sold in Australia, mostly as after-shave in men's shaving packs, and it doesn't seem to age. The sensuality and sweetness of the lavender and vanilla is somehow rendered less floral, more primal by the woody, earthy textures. It doesn't seem to have any of the synthetic and bitter qualities I detect in even good modern perfumes, and its transition from top to bottom notes is almost seamless. The perfume seems to be appreciated by both men and women equally, old and young, but seems to me better suited to men over 35.

Imperial leather owes its origins to the Russian court back in the 18th century when a Count Orloff commissioned Bayleys of bond Street to create a perfume which wa originally called Eau de cologne Imperiale Russe. Bayleys was eventually bought out by Cussons in 1921 but Imperial Russe was nor ressurrected until 1938 when the original perfume was used to create soap and other toiletries by Chairman Alex Cussons - it was originally Russian Leather then eventually ....Imperial Leather. Imperial leather is a distinctive perfume and I am very privileged to have a tiny phial of the perfume which probably dates from the 1940's ....I never saw it on sale in here in England. It was inexpensive. The perfume bares scant resemblence to the soap at first but as it warms up the leather comes through but with a touch of Oriental spiciness that the soap lacks. Not a unisex perfume at all ....unlike the soap! It is quite a sensuous little number without cloying sickly florals or invigorating citruses. In many ways it is a little like Opium without that heady cinnamon ...more subtle. A very beautiful little perfume and quite unexpectedly expensive smelling fragrance. On me - the longer I wear it the slightly sweeter it becomes but without losing that sense of the exotic or its sophistication...definitely no rough edges. Definitely one perfume to try and find! Wish I had more than the few ccs that are in the tiny little bottle as I'd love to wear it!!! I have no idea if they ever made a cologne or toilette water.I can see why it was a favourite of the Russian royal family ....pity it was never marketed in recent years as a prestige perfume although you may remember the soap adverts back in the 70's with the family bathing in their private jet....the telephone call to the pilot when asked where they wanted to go .....'Bermuda looks nice'!

Much scratching around finally produced a aftershave bottle and talcum powder gift pack. I am sad to say it is very cloying and get up your nose stuff, which I dont like at all. I'll stick to the soap and have a squirt of Mugler's cologne or Dunhill Original instead.