by Memo Paris
African Leather by Memo Paris is a distinctive unisex fragrance centered on an intense, warm cardamom accord that dominates from the opening. The initial blast is dry, spicy, and aromatic, with cardamom leading alongside saffron, cumin, bergamot, and geranium, creating a vibrant yet slightly medicinal or soapy impression for some. Over time, the fragrance mellows into a dry, warm, and subtly leathery base, where soft, slightly sweet suede-like leather notes blend with vetiver and patchouli, creating a cool, refined, and mildly animalic character. Performance is consistent with moderate longevity and moderate sillage, factoring in both personal and communal longevity for the initial days. The scent is highly appreciated for its dry, spicy, and natural character, resonating especially with a masculine-leaning audience, although many describe it as unisex. The leather aspect is not dominant or overtly animalic, with the riff emphasizing spice and subtlety over boldness. The fragrance is not overtly sweet, with any sweetness being soft and rarely disruptive. A complex evolution occurs, with the cardamom initially driving the scent, transitioning to a more grounded, layered, and well-balanced experience that emphasizes aromatic spices over leather, making it highly compelling yet somewhat divisive.