Dior Beauty has expanded La Collection Privée Christian Dior with the launch of Cuir Saddle, a new fragrance created by perfumer Francis Kurkdjian. The scent offers a contemporary interpretation of leather, moving away from the traditionally heavy, smoky profile often associated with the category and toward something lighter, more fluid, and distinctly modern.
Inspired by the iconic Dior Saddle bag, Cuir Saddle translates a fashion symbol into olfactory form. Rather than replicating leather in its most literal sense, the fragrance explores the contrasts of structure and softness and familiarity and surprise. Kurkdjian describes the scent as a “trompe-l’œil” leather, one that initially references classic accords before revealing unexpected luminosity on the skin.
Leather fragrances hold a long-standing place in perfumery, historically linked to animalic, woody, and smoky notes, but with Cuir Saddle, Kurkdjian sought to respect this heritage while updating it for a modern audience. Traditional leather facets are present, but they are softened with floral, musky, and suede-like elements, creating a composition that feels supple rather than imposing.
The result is a leather-floral structure that wears closer to the skin, described as smooth, velvety, and cool. Smoky and woody notes remain part of the framework, but they are balanced by lighter floral nuances and contemporary woody-amber tones, giving the fragrance clarity and ease without sacrificing depth.
Advances in synthetic molecules play a key role in shaping Cuir Saddle. Kurkdjian uses them to diversify the leather accord, enabling a more flexible, nuanced expression. This approach reflects a broader shift in modern perfumery, where tradition is often revisited through innovation rather than replication.
In addition to the fragrance itself, Dior has introduced a limited-edition travel case for Cuir Saddle. The bottle is wrapped in supple matte leather in a soft taupe shade, echoing Dior couture codes and the Saddle bag’s design language. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the case reinforces the connection between fashion and fragrance that defines La Collection Privée.
