The Story
Why it exists.
Cuir Altesse arrived in 2014 as the third chapter of David Jourquin’s Cuir collection, following the citrus‑leather of Cuir Mandarine (2011). The house, founded in France in 2011, sought to deepen its leather narrative, adding richer amber and spice to create a more opulent, warm portrait of leather memory.
If this were a song
Community picks
Nightcall
Kavinsky
The Beginning
Cuir Altesse arrived in 2014 as the third chapter of David Jourquin’s Cuir collection, following the citrus‑leather of Cuir Mandarine (2011). The house, founded in France in 2011, sought to deepen its leather narrative, adding richer amber and spice to create a more opulent, warm portrait of leather memory.
The fragrance pairs bright Cardamom, Pink Pepper and orange with a heart of Patchouli, Rose Petals, Cloves, Cumin and Jasmine, then anchors itself in a base of Benzoin, Coumarin, Leather, Vanilla and Oakmoss. This blend pushes the Cuir series toward a warm, spicy‑oriental direction, marrying sharp spice with a soft, leathery finish.
The Evolution
The opening erupts with Cardamom’s aromatic heat, Pink Pepper’s crisp bite and orange’s citrus sparkle, delivering a bright, peppery flash that feels like stepping into a sun‑lit market. Within minutes the heart unfurls: Patchouli grounds the mix, Rose Petals bloom soft and velvety, Cloves add a warm bite, Cumin whispers earthiness, and Jasmine weaves a delicate white thread, forming a rich, aromatic core. As the composition settles, Benzoin and Coumarin sweeten the base, Vanilla rounds it with creamy warmth, Oakmoss adds earthy depth, and Leather dominates, leaving a lingering, smoky‑sweet veil that clings to skin for hours, echoing the comfort of a well‑worn coat.
Cultural Impact
Since its 2014 debut, Cuir Altesse has become a reference point for modern leather fragrances, influencing a wave of niche releases that blend spice with warm amber. Its distinctive use of pink pepper and orange top notes introduced a fresh, citrus‑spiced opening that many perfumers have echoed in subsequent creations. Collectors often cite the fragrance as a turning point in the evolution of leather scents, noting how its balanced heart of patchouli, rose, and cloves bridges traditional leather intensity with contemporary gourmand nuances. Over the years, Cuir Altesse has appeared in numerous fragrance forums and tasting events, sparking discussions about the role of oriental spices in masculine compositions.
The House
France · Est. 2011
David Jourquin is a French niche perfume house founded in 2011 by the eponymous perfumer. The brand builds a small but focused catalogue around leather‑centric scents, each released under the Cuir series. From the bright citrus‑leather of Cuir Mandarine (2011) to the sun‑kissed warmth of Cuir d’Eden (2022), the line explores how leather can shift tone, texture and memory. The house positions its creations as personal olfactory sketches rather than mass‑market statements, inviting wearers to experience a moment of authentic presence.
If this were a song
Community picks
A late‑night drive under neon lights, with synth‑driven beats and a smoky saxophone, mirrors the fragrance’s spicy opening and lingering leather drydown.
Nightcall
Kavinsky
