Etienne Aigner #1

This is a super smooth leather chypre from 1975. The 70's and 80's conjure up images of  loud music, big hair and fragrances that matched this mentality of excess . Not so with Aigner #1.

Aigner's first foray opens with an alcoholic blast of spicy citrus that leans green. This is one smooth accord. It's like velvet blanketing the skin and in a minute, the leather is already surging up and into the drivers seat.

The spices are wonderful in this fragrance. It may be the best blending of them that I've encountered in a masculine and NO transition of this fragrance is ever rude or boisterous. The attenuation is a marvel and after 37 years, I am still in awe. None of the implemented notes usurps the other, with ( of course ) the exception of leather.

So, is the leather a nice rendition ? No, it's a fabulous leather aroma and to say it's nice doesn't do it justice. It's better than nice and equal to the best leather-dominant niche you'll come across. The magic here is in the pre-set volume of all the active notes hovering just below the supple leather.


The base unfolds very quietly. Amber and vanilla categorize Aigner No.1 as a leathery chypiental to me. The galbanum from the top and moss in the base enable the green aura to continue through the life of the scent. They are more dominant than the oriental notes. In summary, Aigner No.1 is a truly underrated leather scent that showcases well executed spices, green notes, earthy tones and of course, the leather. The sillage is acceptable and longevity is about 4 hours on me before evolving into a skin scent.

Bergamot, Lemon, Nutmeg, Sage, Galbanum, Marjoram

Jasmin, Geranium, Patchouli, Vetiver, Sandalwood, Orris root

Leather, Amber, Tonka bean, Moss and Vanilla

Both of my thumbs are raised for this forgotten leather masculine from Etienne Aigner.