Can only pick one: Rien vs Cuir Ottoman

[Toxicon]

As the title suggests, if you were forced to pick one, and only one (and not some other alternative) between ELDO Rien and Parfum d’Empire Cuir Ottoman, which would YOU pick and why?

I have an opportunity to nab one or the other (but not both), and I’m just curious to hear your thoughts as I try to make a final decision. And I know they’re completely different scents, with completely different vibes, use cases, etc.

Thanks!

 

[ultravisitor]

I'm blind to both of these, but I know I'd go for Cuir Ottoman because it has been compared favorably to another perfume I own and love, Dior Cuir Cannage. I also have at least liked each Parfum d'Empire that I've tried, whereas I haven't really cared all that much about any of the ELdOs that I've tried.

 

[cacio]

I voted for Rien. Memorable, strong, with animalic musks. It's really a choice of beast mode vs well behaved. (Also, there are other well behaved leathers I prefer to Cuir Ottoman, but Rien is very unique).

 

[hednic]

Tough decision as I own and love both, but I'd pick Cuir Ottoman.

 

[ClaireV]

I’d go for Rien - it’s more interesting. Cuir Ottoman is a lovely ‘new suede’ shoe kind of smell but Rien goes beyond a lovely smell into a whole experience.

 

[Toxicon]

I’d go for Rien - it’s more interesting. Cuir Ottoman is a lovely ‘new suede’ shoe kind of smell but Rien goes beyond a lovely smell into a whole experience.

I’ll admit, that is a compelling argument!

And to @cacio’s point, if I later decide I want a buttoned-up leather in the vein of Cuir Ottoman, I may as well sample the other dozen (or more) nice ones in that zone and pick the one that fits best.

With that in mind… Rien takes an early lead! Fortunately (or unfortunately) I am highly indecisive and suggestible so please keep those opinions coming, if you got ‘em.

 

[Clarissochka]

Cuir Ottoman

 

[cazaubon]

I don’t care for Rien, it’s got something skanky in there that smells a bit BO on me. Cuir Ottoman is refined and beautiful.

 

[chypre]

They're quite different, and I think the one you'd pick would depend on your scent preferences. I find Rien to be a powerful, synthetic leather experience, a little like the leather in Piguet's Bandit (but without the green and herbaceous notes). Cuir Ottoman as others have said, is a rich, plush suede. The top and heart notes are a floral leather, and then it warms up considerably as it gets denser and richer in the drydown. I prefer Rien myself.

 

[freewheelingvagabond]

Great notes so far, and I agree with them. Blind buys are always risky. Though Rien isn't that challenging in my opinion .... do you like things like Kouros, Balenciaga pour Homme, or even Christopher Street? If so, you might like Rien. It's also quite versatile, especially if you vary the application. I have it and love it, though I don't wear it as often as I should.

In my review I gave it a rare 5/5, and based on what I've tried, to me Rien is the quintessential leather perfume of the 21st century.

Cuir Ottoman is nice, similar to vintage Dior Homme (2005) minus the cocoa. While taste is personal, the only practical considerations where I'd put Cuir Ottoman before Rien is if someone is specifically looking for something smart and elegant, without any "rough" ages. Perfume-wise, Cuir Ottoman is no match for Rien. Both are versatile.

I can imagine Cuir Ottoman more suited to someone who probably wears mostly Le Labo. Looked at @Toxicon your wardrobe, and Rien seems a much more natural fit there compared to Cuir Ottoman.

 

[Tonyprince]

Tough decision as I own and love both, but I'd pick Cuir Ottoman.

Agree

 

[Franco65]

Rien!

 

[Akahina]

Can I choose Rien Intense Incense?

 

[Toxicon]

Can I choose Rien Intense Incense?

Whatever makes you happy In this case, Intense Incense wasn't an option because it wasn't available at an equivalent price (and I was more interested in a leather-forward scent than a true incense), but I would like to sample it someday.

 

[N.CAL Fragrance Reviewer]

Cuir Ottoman of the two

 

[Toxicon]

...aaaaand our poll is closed. Dead heat in terms of comments, with an early edge for Rien and strong support for Cuir Ottoman later on, the poll landed with 7 to 5 in favor of Rien.

I'll admit I was more interested in hearing everyone's rationale than seeing the actual poll results, but I wound up going with Rien anyway. Thanks, everyone, for the thoughtful feedback! I'll report back once I get my nose on it.

 

[StylinLA]

Whatever makes you happy In this case, Intense Incense wasn't an option because it wasn't available at an equivalent price (and I was more interested in a leather-forward scent than a true incense), but I would like to sample it someday.

It's way out there Toxicon. I have a small decant. It is a show stopper. This is the one scent in my pretty large wardrobe that is uber dominating.
Does it smell good? Well, it's not particularly rank. But I only put it on when it's going to be okay with me that everyone in a ten yard radius is going to smell it. NSFW!

I can't compare it to regular Rien. Haven't tried it.

 

[Toxicon]

It's way out there Toxicon. I have a small decant. It is a show stopper. This is the one scent in my pretty large wardrobe that is uber dominating.
Does it smell good? Well, it's not particularly rank. But I only put it on when it's going to be okay with me that everyone in a ten yard radius is going to smell it. NSFW!

I can't compare it to regular Rien. Haven't tried it.

Yeah, being real, I don’t really need full bottles of anything that strong given that there’s a rarely a day I’m not around work colleagues and/or wife and kids, and I don’t really want to blow everyone’s hair back. I’m more of an undersprayer to begin with. Rien seemed about as big as I can go (and that might be pushing it anyway). I picked up Furyo on a lark (it was $17) and I find I never really have an opportunity to wear it.

 

[Melbourne21]

Ottoman by a mile

 

[DeathArrow]

I'll admit I was more interested in hearing everyone's rationale than seeing the actual poll results, but I wound up going with Rien anyway.

Great choice, it won't disappoint you.