No. 1 Cuir de Chasse by Etienne Aigner, launched in 1963, carries a name steeped in tradition and luxury. The phrase "Cuir de Chasse" is French, translating to "hunting leather" in English and pronounced as "kweer duh shahss." The term conjures images of rugged elegance, evoking the scent of finely crafted leather goods, such as saddles or hunting gear, long associated with the outdoors and an active lifestyle. In choosing this name, Aigner tapped into an age-old connection between leather, luxury, and adventure, creating a fragrance that appeals to women seeking a scent that conveys strength, sophistication, and a casual sense of refinement.
Cuir de Chasse, being a leather fragrance for women, suggests a bold, assertive scent profile, with the rich, earthy tones of leather possibly accented by aromatic and woody notes. Leather as a fragrance note typically evokes warmth, durability, and depth, often associated with high-quality materials. The fragrance's classification as "casual" aligns with the idea of effortless elegance—perfect for women who desired to make a statement without being overly formal or ornate. At the time, this kind of scent may have appealed to women embracing a modern sense of individuality and independence, offering an alternative to the more floral or powdery fragrances dominating the market in the early 1960s.
The 1960s was a decade of cultural shifts, where traditional gender roles were being redefined, and women were asserting more independence in both the professional and personal spheres. Against this backdrop, Cuir de Chasse stood out by offering a leather-based fragrance—typically seen as masculine in perfumery—reimagined for women. Leather fragrances were already gaining popularity among men, but Aigner’s bold move to market Cuir de Chasse as a women’s scent was a departure from the floral and aldehydic perfumes that had been the standard for women in previous decades. This fragrance embodied a growing trend towards gender-neutral or androgynous elements in fashion and scent, catering to women who wanted to break away from traditional norms.
