Blacks is an exclusive members only gentleman's club located in London's Soho, and Creative Director Dom De Vetta of Shay & Blue and house perfumer Julie Massé took inspiration from its hallowed halls for their latest perfume. First opened in 1732, it was refurbished and updated in 1992 . Maintaining a luxurious Bohemian quality the rooms are filled with antiques, interesting colors on the walls, and purportedly has a really wonderful smell from all the antique furniture wax, books, brandy, leather upholstery and the like. There is a supper club, tthe theater, the screening room, and lounges and parlors to just sit back with a cocktail and actually have conversations in a quiet atmosphere. To become a member one has to be invited by another member, so if you are friends with Benedict Cumberbatch or Keira Knightley you're in for only £500 a year (yes women are welcome too).
Julie Massé, perfumer, and Creative Director Dom De Vetta, founder of Shay & Blue
Shay & Blue, a London-based perfume company that recently was named The Best new Fragrance House 2014 by the Beauty Shortlist, has created a fragrance called Blacks Club Leather to deliver the interior aroma of Blacks in a perfume.It begins with a rounded, deep leather, the favorite chair that you are sitting in as you swirl some fine cognac in a snifter. Notes of cognac and brandy create buzz and a touch of sweetness. Relax, and contemplate which book might strike your fancy from the wall of leather-bound books, with their warming aroma. All through these relaxing smells is a strong scent of beeswax-rubbed mahogany and the simpler smell of logs piled by the fireplace. It is quite compelling, and also relaxing.
Blacks Club editorial piece, photographer not known
Something in this perfume turned a bit more sour close to the skin than I'd have liked but the sillage was smooth and nicely sweetened. It's a powerhouse; I didn't have to spray much to get a pretty bold effect. It does dry down after a couple of hours to a smoother version of itself, and is long-lasting. Fans of leather perfumes would do well to try this one.
The Silver Fox's perfume review of Shay & Blue Salt Caramel is a must read. We have also reviewed Oud Alif on Youtube; ironically we thought it would be perfect for Sherlock's arch nemesis Moriarity. Both Oud Alif and Blacks Club Leather are priced at 100ml/ £85.00 and are Fragrance CONCENTRÉE which are more intense than the Natural Sprays.
Notes: A Waft of English Leather On The Nose, Round And Warming Cognac, The Aroma Of A Fine VSOP Brandy, Fire Wood And Mahogany Rubbed With Beeswax.
My sample was provoded by Shay & Blue. Blacks Club Leather and other Shay & Blue products are available on their website.
Tama Blough, Managing Editor