Eau d’Ombré Leather by Tom Ford

I think this is a solid launch for the commercial line; perhaps it should have been distinguished from Ombré Leather and named something like ‘Leather Vanille’. That said, it’s the most affordable option in the commercial range with decent performance. For me, the closest link is Babycat (minus the ecclesiastical incense), which is in a private line and costs triple the price. I believe it’s a fun, warm, and cosy scent. Even if the votes don’t show it, I see it as perfectly unisex, lacking any strongly marked ‘masculine’ notes. It’s very easy to like and wear, a simple fragrance where one at least appreciates the quality of ingredients and good performance. It’s not a masterpiece or anything groundbreaking, but it’s far from being a crime.

I’m not exaggerating when I say that in three days, I’ve received five compliments. I wore it to work (facing the public) and it was a hit. I don’t see it as a night scent; it’s usable whenever you want, except in extreme heat. Performance is fantastic (January 25 batch, released in ’24); it lasts with pleasure. It’s not the perfume of my life, but I like it quite a bit and it’s fulfilling. If it had a bit more leather… If anyone wants their first Tom Ford, I’d recommend this; it’s usable, long-lasting, and ‘cheap’ (compared to any other TF).

I do see it perfectly positioned as a flanker for Ombré Leather; it maintains a thread of unity while being very different, which is what a flanker should do, otherwise we’d just complain about redundancies later. Leather, spices, smoke, and vanilla summarised, but not a sweet or easy vanilla, rather a dark and smoky one. If Ombré Leather (both original and Parfum) is for a cool guy in a leather jacket, Eau d’Ombré Leather is for an adult in a black suit on the outside and leather on the inside… from a nightclub, of decadent elegance and highly sexual. A masterpiece.

Previously, when wanting to use leather scents, it was common to find creations that went beyond elegant, alternative, or perhaps smelled too much of ‘old man’. Now, brands constantly modernise leathers and bring them to a level that can appeal to people of all ages. Well, one of those leathers is this week’s recommendation; this leather is a combination of spices with a striking vanilla load that fits superbly for sweet tastes. It creates a bubble of distinction, sensuality, and status for anyone who wears it. One of the best commercial offerings from TF, try it and let me know what you think!

I tried it in store. Without a doubt, it’s a very good fragrance; it only shares the name with the original. They go down different paths. This one is made to please the masses. But definitely, it’s very good. I have smelled Rosendo Mateu Nro 5 and if it resembles it, well, I have my favourite perfume at home, Habit Rouge Parfum. Upon arriving from the store, I tested it on the other arm and they are very, very similar in the dry down. In fact, my wife could smell it and said they are very similar. From the OL line, the original EDP is the best by far.

Ombre Leather EDP used to be my signature for client meetings, but over time I avoided wearing it around women; my partner finds it repulsive, and only one friend has told me it smells nice. This flanker, which shares the name purely for marketing purposes, is a sophisticated gem that avoids today’s sweet and spicy trends. While the EDP smelled of polished shoes, this Eau d’Ombre Leather smells like new car upholstery leather: light, without any animal trace, and very elegant, with flowers and vanilla more prominent. It lasts all day with three sprays, true to its predecessors. It remains formal, so I could wear it at the office if I have the youthful style required, but I prefer it for evening, where it stands out and transmits a charming old-money vibe; I already plan to make it my signature for 2025. P.S.: I don’t know the other fragrances in the line, but I hope to try them next time I visit the shop.

Zara’s Probe Vanilla smells very similar. It is easy to wear and generally well-liked, just avoid wearing it in the heat.

From least to most, I bought it blind and liked it at first, though it seemed a bit flat; every time I smell it again, I love it more and it is a real gem, although the leather makes it somewhat unversatile. I feel it has more informality than other leather scents. It seems an excellent option for dinners, evening events, or dates.

Kouros Body with vanilla.

This smells like scented candles, I suppose due to the vanilla. Add a bit of aromatic oil and you have Tom Ford’s new launch. Regarding the alleged imitation, I’ll just say that Tom Ford has brought this DNA to commercial stores. If you compare it with Mateu 5 or Babycat… it remains the cheapest with great quality.

I’m not sure if it resembles Babycat or what others mention, but it smells tremendous. I think the sweetness of the vanilla and the freshness of the ginger make it more enjoyable than the original (which is a great perfume but more polarising). It’s more versatile than other fragrances from the house for going out at night; it also works for formal daytime occasions, though I’d rule it out in extreme heat.

Smells exactly like Lune Feline.

It’s a carbon copy of Rosendo Mateu Nº 5. Unfortunately, over 90% are unaware of the niche world and will say it smells original; it’ll be a sales success, but those who know the subject will realise it’s a clone by Tom Ford passing itself off as authentic.

It’s quite similar to Babycat by YSL, but they’ve removed the incense (which makes Babycat unique) and added a clean, bright leather that doesn’t quite convince me; it’s not my type of fragrance. The longevity is good; it lasts perfectly for eight hours.

Rather than Rosendo, I’d say it resembles Body Kouros. It’s not identical but becomes very similar, with a touch of licorice and little leather. It’s not bad, although it’s not my scent. And a lot of fuss for inventing absolutely nothing.