I maybe should've listened to all the consumers who complained about the smell. It does have a rather potent musty possibly mixed with imitation leather smell which I can only hope dissipates over time. I did however order "red" based on the complaints - I didn't want a red red - I wanted a maroon or brick shade. This is like a dark reddish brown. It's pretty enough. I guess you get what you pay for. I'm not kidding about the smell.