Dark Lord by Kilian

for men

Kilian Dark Lord is a bold leather fragrance with woody spice and earthy depth, built for men who want a darker, dressier scent with real presence.

Dark Lord by Kilian

Dark Lord by Kilian

1.7 oz EDP Spray Refillable
$326.00 USD
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Dark Lord by Kilian
$326.00 USD

Free tracked delivery

Size

Genuine branded fragrance, new and sealed. Securely shipped from the US.

Ships from the US

Free tracked delivery, typically 3–7 business days.

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Free standard delivery on every order. Read our shipping guide.

Genuine & sealed

100% genuine branded fragrance, new, sealed and in original packaging.

Easy returns

Unopened items may be returned under our returns policy.

Scent Dossier

Kilian Dark Lord is a dark leather scent built for evening wear, with peppery spice up front, a boozy touch of rum, and a dry woody base that stays firm and masculine. It feels dressy, assertive, and more serious than casual fresh scents. Best in Fall, Winter, and cooler Spring nights, it suits date nights, formal settings, and anyone who enjoys leather with an earthy, slightly rugged edge.

Accords

Leather
Woody
Warm Spicy
Aromatic
Earthy
See the Closest Scents to This Profile

A Scent For

This suits a man who likes structure, depth, and a scent that feels intentional rather than casual. It fits someone comfortable in darker woods, leather, and spice, especially for evenings where a clean sporty fragrance would feel too plain. Many wearers describe it as confident and commanding. Not the best pick if you want something airy, easygoing, or quietly office-safe, since the leather and earthy base give it a more forceful personality.

Occasions

Date Night
Date Night
Evening Out
Evening Out
Formal
Formal

Seasons

Fall
Fall
Winter
Winter
Spring
Spring

Time

Night
Night

Sillage

Sillage
3/4
Strong

Longevity

Longevity
4/5
Long Lasting

When and Where

Cooler weather is where this really makes sense. Fall and Winter are the sweet spot, with cooler Spring nights also working well, especially for date nights, formal dinners, and evening events where a darker scent feels appropriate. Nighttime suits it better than daytime. It can feel too heavy for hot weather, casual daytime errands, or tight shared spaces where spicy leather may come across stronger than you want.

Fragrance Pyramid

Top Notes

Bergamot
Bergamot
Pepper
Pepper
Sichuan Pepper
Sichuan Pepper

Middle Notes

Jasmine Sambac
Jasmine Sambac
Rum
Rum

Base Notes

Cedar
Cedar
Cypriol
Cypriol
Leather
Leather
Patchouli
Patchouli
Vetiver
Vetiver

Deeper Detail

How it Opens

Dark Lord comes across immediately as sharp, spicy, and dark rather than fresh or uplifting. The bergamot adds a brief lift, but pepper is what drives the mood, giving it a dry, edgy bite that feels dressed up and a little intense. There is a clear leather tone underneath even early on, so this never reads light or playful. It makes a confident entrance and leans more mature than youthful.

How it develops

After the spice settles, the scent gets warmer and fuller. Rum adds a slightly boozy richness, while woods and leather take over in a dry, smoky, textured way. Patchouli brings an earthy depth, and vetiver adds a rooty, green-wood effect that keeps it from turning sugary. On skin, it stays fairly steady in character: dark, firm, and masculine, with enough presence to be noticed without becoming overwhelming if you apply with restraint.

History

Launched in 2018 and created by Alberto Morillas, Dark Lord sits in Kilian’s lineup as a darker leather-focused men’s scent with a more formal, nighttime attitude. It is not positioned as a light everyday option. Instead, it targets shoppers who want a richer, spicier, more assertive style from a French niche house known for bold character.

Perfumier

Alberto Morillas

Country of Origin

France

Year Created

2018

Our Verdict

Buy it if you want a serious leather scent with spice, woods, and a dark evening attitude. Skip it if your taste runs fresh, bright, or low-key, because this one is built to leave a stronger impression.

The Closest Scents to Dark Lord by Kilian

Dark Lord by Kilian is a bold leather fragrance with peppery top notes, a rum and jasmine heart, and a woody earthy base. This edit gathers scents that share its leather core and warm spicy character, but each takes a different path. Some lean sweeter, some greener, some more aromatic. The result is a varied collection for anyone who appreciates a confident leather scent.

Kilian Dark Lord

Kilian Dark Lord

for men
$236.00

Dark Lord by Kilian sets the standard with its peppery leather and rum accented jasmine. It is a bold, earthy woody scent for night wear. This fragrance is the reference point for the whole collection. It combines warm spice with a leather base, making it a powerful choice for formal evenings.

Read the Full Profile →
Leather
Woody
Warm Spicy
Aromatic
Earthy
Date Night
Date Night
Evening Out
Evening Out
Formal
Formal
Xerjoff Cruz Del Sur I

Xerjoff Cruz Del Sur I

for women and men
$251.00

Cruz Del Sur I shares Dark Lord's leather and warm spicy accords, plus a rum note in the top. Where Dark Lord is peppery and earthy, this one adds dried fruits and grape for a fruity smoky richness. The base of castoreum and incense gives it a darker, more animalic feel. It is equally suited for night occasions.

Read the Full Profile →
Leather
Woody
Warm Spicy
Fruity
Smoky
Evening Out
Evening Out
Formal
Formal
Date Night
Date Night

Bel Ami Vetiver takes the leather woody structure of Dark Lord and brightens it with citrus and fresh spicy notes. The top notes of bergamot, lemon, and cardamom create a more versatile opening. Vetiver and geranium in the heart add a green, earthy contrast to the leather base. It works for both day and night.

Read the Full Profile →
Leather
Woody
Vetiver
Fresh Spicy
Citrus
Casual
Casual
Date Night
Date Night
Evening Out
Evening Out
Formal
Formal

Godolphin matches Dark Lord's leather and warm spicy accords but introduces saffron and floral notes for a sweeter, more aromatic profile. The top notes of cypress and mate give it a green freshness. Vanilla and musk in the base soften the leather, making it feel more polished. It is ideal for date nights.

Read the Full Profile →
Leather
Woody
Warm Spicy
Aromatic
Sweet
Date Night
Date Night
Evening Out
Evening Out
Formal
Formal
Party
Party
Memo Paris Irish Leather

Memo Paris Irish Leather

for women and men
$236.00

Irish Leather shares Dark Lord's leather core but leans aromatic and green rather than earthy. Juniper berries and mate in the top provide a crisp, herbal opening. Clary sage in the heart adds a fresh twist. The base of birch and tonka bean gives a subtle sweetness. It is more casual and versatile than Dark Lord.

Read the Full Profile →
Leather
Aromatic
Fresh Spicy
Green
Woody
Casual
Casual
Date Night
Date Night
Everyday
Everyday
Travel
Travel

17/17 Stone Label Homme is a leather woody scent with a burst of citrus and fresh spices, much brighter than Dark Lord. The top features bergamot, grapefruit, and ginger. Lavender and rose in the heart add a floral aromatic layer. It retains the leather base but feels more complex and refined for formal evenings.

Read the Full Profile →
Leather
Woody
Fresh Spicy
Citrus
Aromatic
Evening Out
Evening Out
Formal
Formal
Date Night
Date Night
Hermès Bel Ami

Hermès Bel Ami

for men
$171.00

Bel Ami is a classic leather fragrance with a citrus aromatic opening, similar to Dark Lord's structure but more mossy and animalic. Bergamot and clary sage lead into a heart of carnation and patchouli. The base of civet, moss, and styrax gives it a vintage leather character. It is darker and more daring.

Read the Full Profile →
Leather
Woody
Aromatic
Mossy
Citrus
Date Night
Date Night
Evening Out
Evening Out
Formal
Formal
Byredo Black Saffron

Byredo Black Saffron

for women and men
$274.00

Black Saffron takes the leather warm spicy foundation in a fruity direction. Grapefruit and juniper berries open with a sharp freshness, while saffron adds a warm spice. Raspberry and black violet in the heart create a sweet contrast. The leather base is lighter and more versatile, suitable for casual wear.

Read the Full Profile →
Leather
Fruity
Warm Spicy
Woody
Aromatic
Casual
Casual
Date Night
Date Night
Evening Out
Evening Out

Spicebomb Dark Leather amplifies the warm spicy aspect of Dark Lord with black pepper and nutmeg. The leather accord is paired with tobacco and incense for a smoky, intense profile. It is more straightforward and aggressive, built for party nights. The cinnamon heart adds a sweet kick that Dark Lord lacks.

Read the Full Profile →
Leather
Warm Spicy
Tobacco
Smoky
Woody
Date Night
Date Night
Evening Out
Evening Out
Formal
Formal
Party
Party
Francesca Bianchi Sticky Fingers

Francesca Bianchi Sticky Fingers

for women and men
$173.00

Sticky Fingers shares Dark Lord's leather and warm spicy accords but adds a tobacco and castoreum richness. The top of bergamot and pink pepper is brighter, while the base of labdanum and tonka bean gives a sticky, resinous sweetness. It has a longer longevity and feels more decadent and animalic.

Read the Full Profile →
Leather
Tobacco
Woody
Amber
Warm Spicy
Date Night
Date Night
Evening Out
Evening Out
Formal
Formal
Xerjoff Tony Iommi Monkey Special

Xerjoff Tony Iommi Monkey Special

for women and men
$218.00

Tony Iommi Monkey Special is a leather fragrance with a fruity rum opening, echoing Dark Lord's rum note. Passionfruit and geranium add a sweet, boozy character. The heart of rose and cinnamon brings warmth. The base of caramel and vanilla makes it much sweeter and more playful. It has a higher sillage.

Read the Full Profile →
Leather
Sweet
Warm Spicy
Amber
Fruity
Date Night
Date Night
Evening Out
Evening Out
Formal
Formal
Party
Party
Dior Homme

Dior Homme

for men
$139.00

Dior Homme is a woody powdery scent with a leather accord, but it is much softer and more floral than Dark Lord. The top of lavender and sage is aromatic, while iris and cacao in the heart give a smooth, elegant feel. The leather base is subtle. It is versatile and suitable for office wear.

Read the Full Profile →
Powdery
Woody
Floral
Amber
Leather
Date Night
Date Night
Evening Out
Evening Out
Formal
Formal
Work / Office
Work / Office