What does the word suede mean?
The word "fallow deer" originates from the Latin "dama," which in turn derives from the ancient Greek "dámos." Originally, "dámos" meant "doe" or "roe deer." The Latin term "dama" was later used to refer to a species of deer, the Dama dama, commonly called "fallow deer" in French.
Interestingly, the term "fallow deer" is often used to describe a specific species of deer belonging to the genus Dama, which includes the European fallow deer (Dama dama) and the mule deer (Dama mesopotamica). However, it is important to point out that the word "fallow deer" can also be used more generally to refer to other deer.
In the beginning…
The fallow deer has a fascinating history dating back thousands of years. Native to Asia, it was tamed and bred by ancient Middle Eastern civilizations, including the Mesopotamians and Egyptians. Fallow deer were valued as a valuable source of meat, hide, and antler, used for food, clothing, and crafts. Over time, they were introduced to Europe by the Romans, who kept them in parks and used them for hunting and entertainment. Fallow deer became a symbol of nobility and prestige, frequently depicted in art and mythology. Today, they are widely distributed in many parts of the world, prized for their elegant beauty and presence in the wild.
What did 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 genuine suede. Woody notes, such as cedar or sandalwood, add a warm, natural dimension to the suede accord. Together, these olfactory elements recreate the sensory experience of enveloping one's skin in the delicacy and elegance of suede, giving fragrances a luxurious and 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 and evocative scent of deerskin. It is generally composed of warm, animalic notes, such as leather, musk, and smoky nuances. The leather brings an animalic facet, evoking the natural scent of deerskin. The musk adds a velvety sensuality and a subtle musky aspect, reinforcing the sensual dimension of the accord. Smoky nuances may also be present, recalling the slightly burnt appearance of the hide during the tanning process. The result is an olfactory profile that is at once warm, sensual, and distinctive, evoking the very essence of suede in a perfumed 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 deerskin. This accord adds sophistication and sensuality to many fragrances, providing an enveloping and luxurious olfactory experience . In addition, suede is also used in the manufacture of fragrance accessories such as pouches or lanyards, adding an elegant and tactile touch to perfume bottles. Thus, suede plays an essential role in perfumery by bringing an olfactory and tactile dimension that enriches the overall fragrance experience.
Suede fragrance accords 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, animal and slightly smoky facet, evoking the characteristic smell of deerskin.
• Musk Accord : Musk is often used to add a sensual, velvety dimension to the suede accord, enhancing its soft and captivating aspect.
• Smoky accord : Smoky nuances can be added to recall the slightly burnt appearance of the hide during the tanning process, bringing a distinctive note to the suede accord.
• Woody accord : Adding woody notes such as cedar, sandalwood, or patchouli can provide a strong, warm base to the suede accord, giving it a natural, earthy dimension.
• Powdery floral accord : Some compositions may include powdery floral notes, such as iris, to add a delicate and velvety facet to the suede accord.
Good to know!
Suede is used in various fields for its unique characteristics. In the fashion industry, it is used to make clothing, footwear, and accessories such as handbags and belts, offering a soft and velvety texture. It is also used in furniture for the creation of seats, sofas, and upholstery, adding a touch of luxury and comfort to home interiors. Suede is valued in crafts for the creation of various objects, such as musical instrument cases, pouches, or cords for perfume bottles. Furthermore, it is used in the leather goods industry for the manufacture of high-quality products. Finally, suede is also used in interior design, in the form of rugs, curtains, or other elements, to create a warm and refined atmosphere.
Legendary perfumes with suede
Here are some legendary fragrances that highlight the suede accord:
• 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 : The suede accord is subtly woven into the composition to add a soft, velvety dimension. The top notes are peony and suede, which blend harmoniously to create a captivating combination of delicate florals and warm texture. The fragrance opens with notes of juicy red apple, adding a fruity touch to the scent, while the heart reveals a floral bouquet of peony, rose, and lily of the valley. The suede brings a sensual depth to the whole, 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 and sweet notes of pink pepper and nutmeg, followed by a heart of velvety suede and bright jasmine. The base reveals woody and amber accords, which add depth to the fragrance, while maintaining the subtle presence of suede.
• 24 Rue de L'Université is a fragrance by Yves Saint Laurent that pays homage to the fashion house's iconic address in Paris. This captivating fragrance blends notes of leather, sandalwood, incense, and vanilla, creating an elegant and sophisticated composition.
• Tom Ford White Suede Eau de Parfum is a captivating fragrance that subtly blends sweet notes of white suede with floral and woody accords, creating an elegant and sensual fragrance that seduces the senses and leaves an indelible mark.
These fragrances have left their mark on the perfume industry by highlighting the suede accord and creating unique and memorable olfactory compositions.
