AHV December 10, 2025

In 1960, YSL broke the mould by launching a black leather blazer on the runway, defining a rebellious and sexy icon that remains relevant today. The official website cites it as inspiration, and they’ve certainly achieved that image: it’s pure leather, not suede. Sometimes it appears contained, but then it suddenly shines with all its rawness; they’ve given it a gentle touch yet with power and presence. For me, the benchmark is Gucci Guilty Absolute, that rough and untamed leather. There are similarities here, but the difference lies in the containment: while GGA traps it with pines and vetiver, this YSL embraces it with oud, which enhances the cured leather facet and nuances it. It’s a strange but cool sensation. Accompanied by a fresh green violet leaf, sometimes with subtle floral touches. On the opening, I had a Vicks-like effect that opened up my nasal passages, perhaps due to the violet treatment or a balsamic note. It requires olfactory maturity; it’s not for everyone, just like GGA. If you like cured leather, it’s elegant for cold weather and night, with semi-formal or formal attire. Its nostalgic trail makes it ideal for an older age bracket, where one already knows what they like. Longevity and projection are excellent, just need to regulate the sprays. In the end, after nine hours, the leather is exhausted but present, with a slight creamy tone. It’s not something to buy blindly based on price and scent, but it’s worth trying. Leather and oud aren’t loved at first; one needs to expose themselves gradually. Official notes: opening of mandarin, cardamom and violet; heart of clove, assafi oud and suede; base of patchouli, cedar, bourbon vanilla and sandalwood.

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AHV December 10, 2025

In 1960, YSL broke the mould by launching a black leather blazer on the runway, defining a rebellious and sexy icon that remains relevant today. The official website cites it as inspiration, and they’ve certainly achieved that image: it’s pure leather, not suede. Sometimes it appears contained, but then it suddenly shines with all its rawness; they’ve given it a gentle touch yet with power and presence. For me, the benchmark is Gucci Guilty Absolute, that rough and untamed leather. There are similarities here, but the difference lies in the containment: while GGA traps it with pines and vetiver, this YSL embraces it with oud, which enhances the cured leather facet and nuances it. It’s a strange but cool sensation. Accompanied by a fresh green violet leaf, sometimes with subtle floral touches. On the opening, I had a Vicks-like effect that opened up my nasal passages, perhaps due to the violet treatment or a balsamic note. It requires olfactory maturity; it’s not for everyone, just like GGA. If you like cured leather, it’s elegant for cold weather and night, with semi-formal or formal attire. Its nostalgic trail makes it ideal for an older age bracket, where one already knows what they like. Longevity and projection are excellent, just need to regulate the sprays. In the end, after nine hours, the leather is exhausted but present, with a slight creamy tone. It’s not something to buy blindly based on price and scent, but it’s worth trying. Leather and oud aren’t loved at first; one needs to expose themselves gradually. Official notes: opening of mandarin, cardamom and violet; heart of clove, assafi oud and suede; base of patchouli, cedar, bourbon vanilla and sandalwood.

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