Bettie Page, who would have been 89 on April 22nd, is an icon of sexuality whose look and legacy has inspired many a budding glamour girl and modern burlesque queen. Her trademark bangs have become de rigueur for hipster women looking to recreate Bettie’s naughty-girl aura. What I have always liked about Bettie is the wholesomeness she projects through the sexual imagery, as if to say, “folks, this is all in good fun!” No matter how fetishistic her outfits or poses, there was always a sense of playfulness that lent a sense of innocence to the tableau, which in my mind made it all the sexier. Could that be the reason that her image is so enduring, because it is also so endearing?
An aroma that is a fitting accompaniment to lustful imagery is leather. Some might think that leather is a note reserved for masculine fragrances, but it can also be a dominant note in fragrances marketed to women. Ranging from the softest suede to rugged saddle leather, the underlying sexiness of leather cannot be denied. So, just for fun, I am selecting a few scents to accompany a variety of personas that Miss Page portrayed in her work.
The slightly prim but sexy bachelorette might wear Hermes Kelly Caleche or Heeley Cuir Pleine Fleur. Kelly Caleche has soft floral notes of mimosa, rose and iris, with a subtle, sueded leather peeking through. Only those who sit very close to you will sense your naughty side. Cuir Pleine Fleur is a bit more business-like, and has a more dominant leather note, but the leather is of the finest, most luxurious quality. This also has mimosa, as well as violet, and although a bit less floral than Kelly Caleche, is definitely lady-like in demeanor. As lighthearted as both of these fragrances are, they still pair glamour and seduction, like the cleavage peeking out from under Bettie’s pearls.
A lady who is also a tempting seductress would be well-served by Chanel Cuir de Russie. This is a classic aldehydic Chanel through and through, and sumptuous as all get-out. It is a creamy floral leather that becomes a remarkable, lingering skin scent that would make any admirer want to nuzzle in a bit closer. If the trademark Chanel aldehydes are not your cup of tea, then Cuir de Lancome is the ticket. Also a beautiful, seductive, creamy leather, this one is a real standout. It is also dirt cheap, so if you are a temptress on a budget, look no farther. Either one of these fragrances would pair well with a slinky leopard-print negligee and come-hither gaze.
Now we come to the lady who is also a mistress of the night. Clad in leather, poised for supreme dominance, she will bring her admirers to their knees. Or else. No scent says “lady in leather” to me like Etat Libre d’Orange’s Vierges et Toreros. The heady allure of tuberose says “come here” while the intensely dark leather says “NOW”. This is a scent that speaks of almost narcotic sex, and wearing it will make anyone feel like a siren. Another deeply sexy leather scent is one marketed to men, but that ladies who mean business will also love: Parfums Regence Kolnisch Juchten. The leather is forceful and smoky like a true Russian leather should be, but tempered by rich, warm amber and patchouli notes. The almost sweet plushness of the aroma takes this scent from the realm of the country club and into a lady’s boudoir (or dungeon). It’s not easy to come by, which makes it even more alluring and coveted.
There are many leather scents on the market, and I know I have not included your favorite. I would enjoy hearing your experiences with the wonderful variety of perfumes in the leather world.
–Tama Blough, Senior Editor