Reviews of Eau Sauvage Fraîcheur Cuir (2007)
by Christian Dior

Christian Dior Eau Sauvage Fraicheur Cuir

I wonder what Alexandra Ripley felt like as she sat in front of the keyboard composing her sequel, "Scarlett" to Margaret Mitchell's "Gone With The Wind"? You have to be creative while taking into account the many who will bemoan the desecration of a legend, the others who want to laugh that you are even attempting a new take on a masterpiece, and the few who will actually give your creativity a chance to impress them. The perfume version of Alexandra Ripley is Francois Demachy who has taken on the task of making the sequel to three well-liked scents, all for Christian Dior, Dior Homme Cologne, Fahrenheit 32 and now, in 2007 Edmond Roudnitska's 1966 ground-breaking masterpiece with, Eau Sauvage Fraicheur Cuir. While the first two sequels M. Demachy undertook were well-done; to try and alter a scent from one of the, arguably, greatest perfumers of the 20th century that is something entirely different. The original Eau Sauvage could be considered the forerunner to all of the fresh and clean scents currently (over)crowding the perfume shelves. M. Demachy in his design of Eau Sauvage Fraicheur Cuir pays homage to the original but actually makes a couple of different choices than M. Roudnitska and ends up creating something all his own. The top of Eau Sauvage Fraicheur Cuir is where the two scents are most similar. The beginning of Fraicheur Cuir is all light, tart lemon which lasts only a short while. It is in the heart that the first divergence from the original scent takes place as the similarity to the original is maintained with an herbal accord paired with cedar. The biggest difference comes in M. Demachy's use of hedione. M. Roudnitska was said to have pioneered the use of hedione in Eau Sauvage but while I'm sure it is there it never seems to be that prominent when I wear Eau Sauvage. That is not so with Eau Sauvage Fraicheur Cuir as the hedione does its job here in all of its glory as the jasmine comes to life against the woody, herbal backdrop making this similar but entirely different. The base is where things take a dramatic turn as the promised leather appears paired with amber and the hint of oakmoss. The base is really mostly leather with the amber there to provide some depth to it all. Eau Sauvage is one of those very short lasting scents on me. Eau Sauvage Fraicheur Cuir happily has much more longevity and lasts a good 6-8 hours on me. There is also much less projection than in the original. I know I wouldn't have the courage to try and pick up a previous work and make it my own. Bravo to Francois Demachy for not only trying but succeeding, spectacularly so.

refined, yes. lemon and leather, yes. beautiful, yes. works for me? sadly, no. dries down a little too hot and dry. i'm sure on someone with a bit more class and a few more years than i, this would be fantastic. on me, it just feels uptight.

There seems to be a growing trend in re-releasing classic citrus scents with a leather note thrown in for good measure (think Acqua di Parma Colonia Intensa).

It’s actually a decent release (unlike Acqua di Parma’s effort) and far better than Eau Sauvage Extrême. However, like its predecessors, it lacks the tenacity that I usually expect in bottle-worthy fragrances (but that's to be expected with this type of scent).

A thumbs-up, nevertheless, for successfully modernising it.

[Original submission date: 05 July 2008]

What an amazing scent this was. I bought this at the Munich airport when it first came out. I ran through my bottle so quickly and couldn't find it in the US. So wondefully fresh. Everyone is right. It was a lot of Eau Savauge with a hint of leather. I wish they would have made a super concentrated version that lasted on my skin longer.

Off the top of my head, I can't think of another fragrance, classic reissue or recent release, that plays within the confines of the contemporary fresh 'n clean sensibility without sacrificing classic structure, smart composition, or quality ingredients as effortlessly as Eau Sauvage Fraîcheur Cuir. Starting with an original that has stood the test of time gave a leg up to the nose that created this version to be sure, but ESFC's composition is extremely clever--leaving the top notes pretty much alone, at least enough to make the the fragrance immediately recognizable as an Eau Sauvage, toning down some of the perfumey (read: dated) smell of the heart, and adding a leather accord that at once suggests a classic structure without actually replicating the actually leather that usually defines old-fashioned cyphers. The "fresh leather" in ESFC is the fine suede of a pair of a brand new pair of bench-made bucks---nothing dry or overbearing at all. My current fave.

Instead of an irrationally-named and irrelevant flanker, this edition is a true variation on the Eau Sauvage theme. You’d be hard pressed to tell them apart from the renowned opening citrus. But soon after dry down begins Fraicheur Cuir goes its own way, without renouncing its pedigree, revealing a soul of elegant soft leather and amberish tobacco instead of its daddy’s spiky basil and peaty vetiver. I like them both, for different reasons, but find Fraicheur Cuir the more amiable companion.

I've been anticipating today - my first full wear of ESFC - for a long time. First it was on my wishlist for about 8 months, and then I finally found a bottle thanks to a kind BN member, then I had to wait about a month while hurricanes and evacuations delayed my receipt. Why all the fuss for something I've never smelled? Well, I love Eau Sauvage, I love leather notes, and I have a weakness for obscure Dior releases.

Was it worth the wait? Well, yes. Am I blown away? Well, no. At first I was surprised that the topnotes were pure Eau Sauvage, with little if any variation. I was bummed. After about a half hour I noticed the emergence of a slightly spicy, ambery leather accord that blended in with the standard ES drydown to perfection. As the name says (which is translated on the bottle as 'leather freshness'), this is a fresh leather. 90% Eau Sauvage, 10% Leather. I strongly recommend a massive overapplication to one's neck, arms, chest, etc. to experience the full effect.

My only complaint with the original has been longevity. No matter how much you put on it lasts about 2 hours from beginning to end. This problem seems addressed in the FC version, with the longevity being much better and the base persisting for about 5-6 hours.

If you're a fan of the various elements that went into this creation like I am, by all means seek out a bottle. If you're just a leather fan and think this will be a leather rich, lemony fragrance, somewhere along the lines of HL Cuiron, you will be disappointed.

This fragrance is one of the best I've never tried! A virtual gold medal to Dior!

amazing, distinct, opulent stuff. citrus and leather DONE RIGHT. this limited edition is hard to find...i was looking for months before i ended up suddenly with 3 bottles of the stuff. the leather is soft and subtle...but when mixed with the citrus kick of eau sauvage----it creates this aura rather than a sharp scent. it's very light and refreshing, yet at the same time deep and dark. very cool stuff.

Wow. I cannot stop smelling the back of my hand.. Love, love, love it. I never wrote reviews on Basenotes before, but I just had to for this one.

BTW I believe fragrance is totally subjective. And this fragrance subjectively pleases me so much. I got leather from the start, and lemony citrus much later.

I love the original Eay Sauvage but now we're adding fresh leather into the mix? This is stuff is amazing because of it. Why did Dior limit this release? I believe it would've made a great addition to their line-up. A definite must have for me (if I could only find a bottle!)

A slight variation on the original, but a good one. I don't think I need a bottle of each, but I definitely prefer its ambery drydown and warm undertones over the original. I don't get much leather at all...if any, its similar to the floral-leather used in Hermes' Kelly Caleche. A stunning homage to a classic men's scent, and worth every penny (if you can find it!)

I received Fraîcheur Cuir yesterday as a birthday gift, and was surprised that even lacking basil, it very distinctly reminisces the classic Eau Sauvage. Good job, Monsieur Demachy.

Without a doubt, this scent is by far my favourite Dior yet. The new mix just blows my mind - very subtle and quite sophisticated. All the signature Eau Sauvage citrus is still there (with the "sweeter" lemon tones being a little bit less pronounced in sharpness). Mids are much spicier than the original and the base of amberish leather is MAJOR HOT.

If at all possible, get it while you can - it's well worth it. For myself, that car couldn't get there fast enough. Great job Dior!

An intense rush of citrus in the top note, fresh lemon zest.
The mid notes are too complex for my inexpert nose to describe well but I can certainly detect orange blossom in there.
Basenotes are warm, subtle, woody and leather is definitely there.
A definite favourite !