Review: Vanille Leather by BDK Parfums

The latest release by BDK Parfums was created by leading master perfumer Dominique Ropion and is the 18th of 19 releases by the brand.

Despite their growing output, Vanille Leather adds a new flavour to the lineup as well as bringing something fresh and spellbinding to the market.

I do tend to like simplicity when it comes to perfume names. You read Vanille Leather and you know exactly what you’re getting. Right?

Or do you?

Well with Vanille Leather it’s yes, and no.


The opening is all big creamy (non-green) tuberose. It’s fleshy, billowy, and resplendent in its exuberance.

It’s not all up in your face either and it’s not a tuberose that’s screaming for your attention. It’s the kind that whispers sweet nothings in your ear and then lingers close, gently pecking you on the cheek with its soft, luscious lips.

Muddled beneath are woods and a soft accord of leathery suede that’s more about imaginary, almost abstract material rather than a photoreal portrayal of leather. It smooches into the tuberose sensuously with a curvaceous lilt, it’s a glam thing, and naughty too. 

A dry dusty, semi-sweet vanilla that you may have perceived in other Ropion vanilla fragrances (or at least reminiscent of them) appears, although it takes its pretty time. At once, the magic is complete and I’m drunk on the love potion.

With Vanille Leather, that brilliant wizard Dominique has worked his magic again.

Vanille Leather is available exclusively at Harrods.