What does the word suede mean?
The name "Suède" (Sweden) was used because this type of leather was first used to make gloves in 18th-century France. The name stuck, and over time, "gants de Suède" was shortened to "suede."
The etymology of the term "suede" can be traced back to its French origin. As mentioned, it was initially used to refer to gloves made from this soft leather material. The French term "gants de Suède" was formed by combining "gants" (gloves) and "Suède" (Sweden). The association with Sweden might have been due to the perception that high-quality leather, such as the one used in gloves, originated from Scandinavia.
In the beginning…
The fallow deer has a fascinating history stretching back thousands of years. Native to Asia, it was tamed and bred by the ancient civilizations of the Middle East, notably the Mesopotamians and Egyptians. The fallow deer was considered a valuable source of meat, hide and antlers, used for food, clothing and handicrafts. Over time, it was introduced to Europe by the Romans, who raised it in parks and used it for hunting and entertainment. The fallow deer became a symbol of nobility and prestige, frequently depicted in art and mythology. Today, it is widespread in many parts of the world, appreciated for its elegant beauty and presence in nature.
What do you know about Suede in perfumery?
Suede, with its soft, velvety skin, has inspired many perfumers to recreate its unique essence through fragrance accords. These accords aim to capture the tactile texture of suede using ingredients such as iris, synthetic leather and suede notes, and woody notes. Iris offers a powdery, velvety facet, while leather brings a soft, supple feel similar to that of real suede. Woody notes such as cedar and sandalwood add a warm, natural dimension to the suede accord. Together, these olfactory elements recreate the sensory experience of wrapping one's skin in the delicacy and elegance of suede, giving fragrances a luxurious, sensual dimension.
The olfactory profile of suede in perfumery is often recreated through an accord called a "suede accord". This accord aims to capture the characteristic, evocative scent of buckskin. It is generally composed of warm, animalic notes, such as leather, musk and smoky nuances. Leather adds an animalic facet, evoking the natural scent of buckskin. Musk adds a velvety sensuality and subtle muskiness, reinforcing the sensual dimension of the accord. Smoky nuances may also be present, recalling the slightly burnt aspect of the hide during the tanning process. Together, they create an olfactory profile that is warm, sensual and distinctive, evoking the very essence of suede in a fragrance composition.
Suede is also used in perfumery to bring a tactile and sensory dimension to olfactory compositions. The suede accord, created from notes of leather, musk and smoky nuances, is often used to recreate the evocative scent and soft texture of suede skin. This accord adds sophistication and sensuality to many fragrances, offering an enveloping, luxurious olfactory experience. Suede is also used in the manufacture of fragrance accessories such as pouches and cords, adding an elegant, tactile touch to perfume bottles. Suede thus plays an essential role in perfumery, adding an olfactory and tactile dimension that enriches the overall fragrance experience.
Olfactory accords with suede in perfumery are created using specific notes and ingredients to recreate its distinct essence. Here are some of the accords often associated with suede:
• Leather accord: The use of leather notes brings an earthy, animalic and slightly smoky facet, evoking the characteristic scent of buckskin.
• Musk accord: Musk is often used to add a sensual, velvety dimension to the suede accord, reinforcing its soft, captivating aspect.
• Smoky accord: Smoky nuances can be added to recall the slightly burnt aspect of the hide during the tanning process, bringing a distinctive note to the suede accord.
• Woody accord: The addition of woody notes such as cedar, sandalwood or patchouli can provide a solid, warm base to the suede accord, giving it a natural, earthy dimension.
• Powdery floral accord: Some compositions can include powdery floral notes, such as iris, to add a delicate, velvety facet to the suede accord.
Interesting fact!
Suede is used in a variety of fields for its unique characteristics. In the fashion industry, it is used to make garments, shoes and accessories such as handbags and belts, offering a soft, velvety texture. It is also used in furniture for seats, sofas and upholstery, adding a touch of luxury and comfort to home interiors. Suede is also appreciated in the craft industry for the production of various objects, such as cases for musical instruments, pouches or cords for perfume bottles. It is also used in the leather goods industry for the manufacture of high-quality products. Finally, suede is also used in interior decoration, in the form of carpets, curtains and other elements, to create a warm, refined atmosphere.
Popular suede perfumes
Voici quelques parfums mythiques qui mettent en valeur l'accord du daim :
• Daim Blond by Serge Lutens: This famous niche fragrance explores the essence of blond suede with a sensual blend of leather, iris, incense and musky notes.
• Peony & Blush Suede by Jo Malone London: The suede accord is subtly woven into the composition to add a soft, velvety dimension. The main notes are peony and suede, which blend harmoniously to create a bewitching combination of delicate florals and warm texture. Peony & Blush by Jo Malone London opens with notes of juicy red apple, adding a fruity touch to the scent, while the heart unveils a floral bouquet of peony, rose and lily of the valley. Suede adds sensual depth to the ensemble, evoking an aura of luxury and comfort.
• Babycat by Yves Saint Laurent (YSL): The suede accord is at the center of the composition, creating a sensation of sensual softness and luxury. The fragrance opens with spicy, sweet notes of pink pepper and nutmeg, followed by a heart of velvety suede and radiant jasmine. The base reveals woody and amber accords, adding depth to the fragrance, while retaining the subtle presence of suede.
• 24 Rue de L'Université: It is a fragrance by Yves Saint Laurent that pays tribute to the fashion house's iconic Paris address. This captivating fragrance blends notes of leather, sandalwood, incense and vanilla, creating an elegant, sophisticated composition.
• Tom Ford's White Suede Eau de Parfum: It is a captivating fragrance that subtly blends suave white suede notes with floral and woody accords, creating an elegant, sensual scent that seduces the senses and leaves an indelible mark.
These fragrances have left their mark on the perfume industry, highlighting the suede accord and creating unique, memorable olfactory compositions.
