Monsieur Leonard

Monsieur Leonard is a nice one. As its name implies, it's not a loud, strong fragrance, but more gentlemanly in demeanor.

OzMoz gives this pyramid and lists it as an Oriental-Fougere.

Top Notes: Lavender, Clary Sage, Coriander, Basil
Middle Notes: Geranium, Lily of the Valley, Carnation, Fern
Base Notes: Patchouli, Tonka, Vanilla, Moss

Scent Direct lists those above but also adds bergamot to the top notes, jasmine to the middle notes, and amber, cedar, and musk to the base notes. Scent Direct classifies it as an Woody-Ambery Fougere.

It starts out very fresh and green, almost a juicy, mentholated green. Then the floral elements slowly and gradually enter. These aren't sweet, rich, heady florals, but dry yet soft, quite reserved, and balanced florals. No particular floral note stands out for me, and the overall effect is one of gentlemanly calmness. The drydown is surprisingly light and fresh in feel, and I do think it contains some cedar. Even though it also contains vanilla, tonka, and perhaps amber, the drydown isn't sweet at all, and the various elements are well blended. The scent is subtle, but not too reticent. While it isn't loud, it isn't overly quiet, either. It doesn't whisper but speaks in a low, well modulated voice. Again, I am reminded of a calm, collected, reserved gentleman. It's classy and well behaved.

After writing all that I think I"ll wear Monsieur Leonard as my SOTD! If my opinions change or if I get any further insights into it, I'll report back.

noggs

Just a few more comments after my full wearing today at the office. BTW, I used six sprays, four to my chest and one to each arm.

Monsieur Leonard seems a little lighter and fresher than most old school fragrances, but it certainly reminds me of classics like Eau Sauvage and the old Versace. Not that it smells like them, but the overall feel is similar.

It doesn't have much sillage, though. It stays pretty close to the wearer. The opening is by far the most outgoing part of the wearing, and it seems to become more reserved as it dries down. The opening notes do linger for quite a long time, if not alone then by casting their shadows over the mid and base notes.

It's certainly no powerhouse. It is just as polite and well mannered as I thought when I posted my initial comments. It's perfect for the office, and gives a sense of maturity and seriousness, but not heaviness.

noggs

Is this scent similar to anything else on the market? I'm considering to buy a bottle blind, but you can still convince me not to do it

Cheers,
-T-

Do it! It's well worth it!

I'd go ahead and blind buy it - as others have pointed out, it's a gentleman and not a bad boy. You would have an addition to your collection that would pay for itself by its versatility.

Don't, however, confuse Monsieur Leonard with Leonard pour Homme. PH is an older scent, a real eighties powerhouse. It was deep, dark, commanding and weighty, and overwhelmed many a would-be wearer. It was darned good. But a totally different species than the Monsieur. I know that many perfume distributors don't always post the most accurate pictures, and names that mean "for men" can get mixed up.

Monsieur Leonard looks exactly like the pic shown above - green bottle, gold cap, gold lettering.

Leonard Pour Homme came in a dark brown, pebble-form bottle with a calligraphic, squiggle-like symbol incised into the glass.

A somewhat obscure scent deserves a revisit to the BN archives. I found a bottle yesterday, here are my comments.

I like this, it is a classy and fairly straight-ahead old-school fougere. It comes in a lovely green bottle. It starts with a refreshing though brief citrus note, and quickly takes on a green/herbal and soapy character. The herbs are fresh and pleasant, well blended and have a charming and comforting character. This segues into a very pleasant mossy note which is green, slightly salty and wears very well. I agree that any florals are strictly in the background; as are the the patchouli and vanilla. This is not a powerhouse, as others have noted. It is a discreet charmer.

Have a large bottle in my collection. Yes - quite classy and elegantly understated.