Roman Leather

I absolutely love this scent. The notes are completely off though. Never smelled the original from Memo, but this is definitely a "niche" type scent, in that it's not particularly mass appealing. Strangely enough, I also don't find it very challenging either. Although I can KINDA see how people might get honey in the drydown, it's basically a straight-up tomato leaf and leather with just a HINT of powdery vanilla for the entire ride...which is great because I friggin' love the stuff. The sweetness comes out more on skin; but to me, it's the spicy-green cedar that dominates like the inside of a #2 pencil in the best possible way. The leather accord is also on the woodier side compared to the standard Tuscan Leather variety, and no fruitiness to be found. The notes aren't that far apart either, so the blend is surprisingly good for what you pay. Can't say I get any outright iris like many do from the original, but the spiciness has the same kind of intrigue as cardamom without the distinct warmth. And as far as the tomato leaf, it's absolutely detectable, but doesn't overpower the top or mid. Tbh, it blends so harmoniously with the spices that it can be easy to miss if you're not looking, but still gives the scent its primary character, without smelling vegetal or dirty. Definite herbal spice cabinet vibes, on that distinct woody leather. Great stuff. Literally a year-round scent for me because it's not particularly beastly, but I'm a big fan of the green frags from the 70s and 80s so it makes sense. If you're someone who enjoys the kind of dark green leather that vintage Polo brings to the table for instance (minus the fougere aspects), you might dig this one too. More on the masculine side with that greenery, but also sweetened up a bit so it rides that rugged-elegant divide that so many designers struggle with. Of course, leather accords are an acquired taste so it's not as versatile as a simple spicy-woody, but it definitely accomplishes the same things as Ombre Leather, albeit leaning in a more rugged direction. Strange that nobody mentioned that the bottle is purple and not black? Maybe it's just a newer batch, but the scent still kicks a$$. Honestly was expecting something far weirder so maybe Lattafa smoothed out the roughery around the original? My guess is that they cut out a significant amount of sweetness to balance the notes and let the leafiness shine. Can't wait to see how much better it gets with time. Big thumbs up so far.

Roman Leather opens with a strikingly bitter, honeyed leather accord — intense and incredibly aromatic from the very start. This doesn't just smell strong — it smells established. As it develops, a deep gourmand chocolate facet emerges, weaving complexity into the composition. As it fully dries down, the scent takes on earthy and smoky facets, gradually developing a powdery, creamy, and slightly resinous quality. However, even as someone who dislikes powdery fragrances, I find that it remains within acceptable limits. One of the most notable aspects of Roman Leather is its handling of honey. Often, honey in fragrances can veer into an urinal-like territory, but here, it is exceptionally well-balanced — rich and warm without becoming off-putting. The composition feels entirely natural and free of synthetic harshness, with just a little bit of a medicinal accord, which only adds to its distinctiveness. It feels highly unique — I have never encountered such a combination before. It is an undeniably heavy and masculine scent, but it also gives off serious grandpa funk. Longevity is decent, though not outstanding, and the projection is very strong during the first hour but then quiets down. The bottle follows the same design as the rest of the collection — an obvious xerocopy. As someone mentioned earlier, it does share a resemblance to Lattafa Sha'ari in overall profile, though the individual notes pick up differently. Roman leans more on bitter honey and straightforward leather, whereas Sha'ari incorporates a spicier, more animalic edge. I picked this up used in a package deal with Al-Rehab CPO for a steal of under €10 (its usual price is roughly double that). Considering the cost, it was an excellent purchase. Among the Leather collection, I believe this is the best and most distinctive scent, capable of competing with significantly higher-priced alternatives. It stands out as the most unique in the lineup, second only to Afro Leather, and maybe Herculean Leather, which is not listed in the database. If you're searching for a leather fragrance that dares to be different, Roman Leather earns its place in the conversation. The bitterness, honey, and leather combination creates an immediate authority. Opening note: 8- Sillage/Projection: 8- Drydown: 8 Longevity: 8 Blend/Composition: 8- Versatility: 4- Uniqueness: 8+ Value for money: 8 Bottle design/Aesthetics: 6+ Overall experience: 8- Blind-buy rating: 4-

Roman leather is a pretty nice and wearable spicy leather with Abit of coco vibe in it, not that sweet but can get a little honey in it too, slightly smoky and amber like as the scent develops. If it's inexpensive it's good enough as its own and doesn't need to be compared to as a dupe for Italian leather which I think isn't really very close.

Really special that one Zero sweetness Spicy chocolaty leather VERY VERY special and underrated Super unique Get better after a while even more I bought this together with Dublin leather Which is super amazing as well What a social fragrance Especially if you'll layer it over something sweet Addictive.

Vanilla should be listed as one of the main notes. My batch is older, strong with vanilla dominating. Tomatto leaf is not overpowering here. 10/10.

#857 in my "Tour de Fragrance" This is of course supposed to be similar to Memo Paris' "Italian Leather." If you buy this thinking you're getting the same scent as Italian Leather and saving a $100 you're kidding yourself. These Alhambra scents of course are not exact dupes. Some come close, though this really doesn't. Their "Dublin Leather" version of Memo's "Irish Leather" is much closer to the original than this, still not a dupe, but I love it all the same. I've had this sitting on the shelf a couple of months, which I think is mandatory for Alhambra scents, and this is nice, and certainly worth the price. But it isn't remotely as complex as Italian Leather. That said, as I've never liked that dominant tomato leaf note which ruined Italian Leather for me, I actually prefer this, but it wouldn't be my go to scent for this vibe, or even my top five. If you want a nice complex leather scent you should give Orlov Paris "Red Shield" a test drive. An iris note really adds something special to a leather scent. On me this is long lasting and really projects. I don't know that leather scents are ever car pool appropriate, unless your car has leather seats, in which case everyone will assume they're smelling the leather treatment you detailed the sedan with. But if you wore this to the office (I wouldn't), you'd go light. Leathery scents can be very "in your face." Wouldn't be my choice for anything other than casual wear.

Simply, Leather and Chocolate, amazing. Average performance.

It’s definitely in the same ballpark as Italian Leather, but slightly harsher with less depth. One of the things that makes Italian Leather so great is the creamy, mildly sweet vanilla running through it, behind the vegetal tomato leaf, and that is greatly diminished here. This is definitely missing the magic of Italian Leather. It has the DNA, but the 15% difference in smell is everything. It’s a decent clone, but not good enough for me to stop saving up for the real thing.

Contrary to JusttheFactsMan, I agree with Cabin Fever in that the 'tomato leaf' note is a bit more prominent in Roman Leather because the sweet/ ambery warm notes are missing in Roman Leather IMO. To me, Roman Leather smells only of tomato leaf and leather.

10 minutes of greenery(with some faint leather) and then it dissapears like all alhambra does.

Crazy good one for an aromatic, the leather and the woods feel herbaceous and green in an uplifting and refreshing way. Roman Leather is strong and has a distinct character, yet my friends who are disgusted by anything heavier than a drugstore freshie are drawn to it due to its airy-green aura. It feels natural and gothic in a forest witch baddie way. Performance is good, but not a powerhouse. I guess this is the kind of unisex (slightly masculine-leaning, still cool on a woman) scent, that has a niche and unique profile, but maintains crowd-pleasing qualities. Will repurchase, it is addictive.

Tomato leaf leather, reminds me of Memo Paris Italian Leather. Gentleman classy, all year. 3 stars, moderate across the board ; solid but not a standout next to Russe or Afro Leather from the same house. While I like the scent I would pivot towards Rasasi Shuraya to get the floral Tomato Leaf boost. I bought it for $20 last year.

This is easily a 98% clone of Paco Rabanne - 1 Million. To be fair, I can't stand 1 Million—it just reminds me of those try-hard, ego-driven guys who always wore it. If you're looking for Tom Ford’s Tuscan Leather, you're gonna be disappointed. It's safe to say this is a straight-up 1 Million dupe. Pure and simple.

I have this and I don't think the notes are right here. This should be a Memo Italian Leather clone. I never smelled that one though. Smells similar to Lattafa Sha'ari if anyone is familiar with that. Thumbs up from me.

Chocolaty variant of irish leather.. dry and slightly fresh and woody.. great for the price.