Cuir Absolu
“Cuir Absolu by Elie Saab is a Leather fragrance for women and men”
The Quick Read
Respected, if divisive — a leather, animalic composition with a smoky undertone. Voted best for fall and winter wear — and genuinely unisex.
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Launched in 2016, Cuir Absolu by Elie Saab is a unisex leather fragrance that captures the essence of sophistication and elegance. Created by perfumer Francis Kurkdjian, this composition begins with an animalic depth, leading into smoky undertones that give it a mysterious charm. The leather accord at its core provides a rich, warm foundation, making it a lasting choice for those who appreciate the finer details in fragrance.
Composition & Character
How It Wears
Application Tips
Apply this fragrance in small amounts; the smoky and animalic notes develop slowly over time. It pairs best with cooler evenings when you want a scent that speaks quietly but confidently. Avoid heavy spritzes to prevent overpowering its nuanced layers.
Francis Kurkdjian
Founding perfumer · 234 fragrances · French
“My creations are an invitation to choose the scent that suits you daily, because I like the idea that each woman and man can express a part of themselves through perfume.”
Maison Francis Kurkdjian was born in 2009 from the encounter between Francis Kurkdjian, a renowned perfumer with scores of successful creations to his name, and Marc Chaya, Co-founder and President of the fragrance house. At only 24, Francis Kurkdjian composed his first perfume, "Le Male" by Jean Paul Gaultier, an international best-seller and game-changer of its time. Instead of relying on a very promising start to his career, he decided, as a precursor, to explore new possibilities and give olfactory creation a new artistic dimension. In keeping with his visionary outlook, in 2001 he set up his tailor-made perfume workshop, against the general tendency of perfume democratization, while constantly putting his know-how and sensibility at the service of the greatest fashion designers (Rick Owens, Hedi Slimane, Riccardo Tisci, Alber Elbaz or John Galliano), as well as the most iconic houses (Dior, Guerlain or Saint-Laurent). From 2003, artists like Sophie Calle, Christian Rizzo or Sarkis called on him to compose his first olfactory compositions - the starting point of his quest to break down the boundaries between different fields and the senses. In 2008, he was named Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres.
Also created
Designer Elie Saab
More from Elie Saab
Edited by Scentsation Editorial
The story behind the bottle.
A leather-bound book pulled from a well-curated library, its pages whispering tales of bygone eras.
Fig. 01 — Cuir Absolu, Elie Saab
Where to buy.
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