L'impératrice

L'Impératrice (The Empress) is pure Italian summer bottled - a fragrance that captures the joy of Sicilian gardens, Mediterranean coastlines, and carefree femininity. Part of D&G's Anthology collection (numbered "3"), this is the brand's watermelon masterpiece, and it's been a cult favorite since 2009.

It opens with a juicy explosion of kiwi, rhubarb, and pink cyclamen that's immediately refreshing and smile-inducing - this is happiness in the top notes. But the star of the show is the heart: a stunning watermelon accord that's so realistic, so fresh, so summer that it transports you instantly.

This isn't candy watermelon (like body sprays); this is biting into cold, crisp, perfectly ripe watermelon on a hot day. Supporting notes of rose and jasmine add subtle floral elegance, preventing this from being one-dimensional fruit. The base brings sandalwood, musk, and lemon tree wood for gentle warmth and surprising longevity (6-8 hours for an EDT).

 L'Impératrice is the fragrance equivalent of a flowing sundress, oversized sunglasses, and limoncello by the sea - feminine, fun, and effortlessly Italian. This is for women who don't take themselves too seriously, who embrace joy over drama, who choose lightness over heaviness. It's perfect for the 20-35 age range but truly ageless for anyone with a playful spirit. Think beach vacations, summer weddings, outdoor brunches, pool parties, and any moment where you want to smell like sunshine and good vibes.

This is D&G's most underrated fragrance - while everyone chases Light Blue, insiders know L'Impératrice is the real Italian summer dream. Feminine without being delicate, fruity without being childish, fresh without being basic.