L'Impératrice.

The D&G Anthology launched in September 2009 with five perfume chapters inspired by tarot’s archetypes. L'Impératrice, the third card, was imagined as the Empress, a celebration of feminine abundance. Nathalie Lorson crafted it to echo the ruler’s lush garden, mixing vibrant fruit with delicate florals. The bottle, a sleek flacon, mirrors the card’s regal silhouette, while the campaign featured Naomi Campbell embodying the sovereign’s confidence.

The opening’s trio, kiwi’s crisp green bite, rhubarb’s tart snap, and pink pepper’s subtle heat, creates a fruit cocktail that feels both playful and daring. Moving to the heart, watermelon’s watery sparkle and pink cyclamen’s soft pink hue frame jasmine’s classic elegance, a rare blend that captures a sun‑drenched garden. The base swaps the expected amber for lemon‑tree zest, letting musk and sandalwood linger with an unexpected citrus‑bright finish.

The scent detonates with an explosive fruit cocktail: kiwi’s sharp green rush collides with rhubarb’s tart acidity, while pink pepper adds a fleeting, peppery sparkle that tingles the nose. Within ten minutes the heart emerges, a juicy swell of watermelon that feels like a cool splash, softened by pink cyclamen’s tender petal‑softness and jasmine’s luminous bloom. As the day wears on, the base settles into an unexpected citrus whisper from lemon‑tree, anchoring the composition. Warm musk wraps the skin like a soft veil, and sandalwood adds a creamy, woody dry‑down that lingers just long enough to be noticed without overwhelming, delivering a moderate sillage that stays close for four to six hours.

Since its 2009 debut, L'Impératrice has become a signature scent for fans of the D&G Anthology, often cited for its bright, fruity opening that defies the usual floral‑oriental trend. The Naomi Campbell campaign, shot by Mario Testino, cemented its image as a modern empress, and the perfume still pops up in summer‑time wardrobes and social‑media “fragrance‑of‑the‑day” posts.