Anthology L’Imperatrice 3

Dolce & Gabbana L’Impératrice 3 dupe, inspired by the original

Dolce & Gabbana L’Impératrice 3, from the Anthology collection, is a bright, juicy fruity floral built around watermelon and kiwi, now discontinued but long adored for its fresh, flirty character. Our interpretation carries that character in a long lasting Eau de Parfum, made in the EU.

The Story Behind the Scent

D&G Anthology L’Imperatrice 3 launched in 2009 as part of Dolce and Gabbana’s Anthology collection, a series of five fragrances inspired by tarot cards (Le Bateleur 1, L’Imperatrice 3, L’Amoureaux 6, La Roue de la Fortune 10, La Lune 18). L’Imperatrice 3 was designed for the Empress tarot card, advertised by Naomi Campbell, and built around kiwi, rhubarb and pink pepper at the opening, watermelon, cyclamen and jasmine at the heart, and a base of lemon tree, musk and sandalwood. The fruity aquatic floral became one of the most loved feminines of the late 2000s. The Anthology collection has been discontinued in its original form; L’Imperatrice has been renamed and reformulated, leaving the original 2009 composition difficult to source. Our interpretation respects the original character.

How Our Version Compares to the Original

With the original Anthology collection discontinued, finding L’Imperatrice 3 has become difficult. The renamed 3 L’Imperatrice continues but differs subtly from the 2009 original; original Anthology bottles trade at climbing prices on resale platforms. Our European Union production at 40 percent perfume oil concentration brings the composition back at proper density, with the kiwi rhubarb opening sparkling cleanly, the watermelon cyclamen heart holding through the wearing, and the lemon tree sandalwood musk drydown lasting well into the next day on clothing.

Who It’s For

It suits anyone who loves a fresh, juicy, easy going scent. It is at its best in spring and summer and in daytime, feminine and youthful.

Notes

Top: kiwi, rhubarb, pink pepper

Heart: watermelon, cyclamen, jasmine

Base: lemon tree, musk, sandalwood

How it Smells

The opening is bright and unusually tart, kiwi leading with its juicy slightly tart fruity character, rhubarb adding a green tart vegetal nuance that distinguishes L’Imperatrice 3 from typical fruity feminines, and pink pepper contributing a quick warm spicy bite. Within fifteen minutes the heart unfolds: watermelon takes a leading role with its juicy refreshing fruity character, cyclamen adds a soft floral water support, jasmine threads through the middle with creamy floral depth, and a soft floral nuance continues through the heart phase. The base is where L’Imperatrice 3 reveals its polished character. Lemon tree provides a fresh citrus woody accord, sandalwood adds creamy wood structure, and musk smooths the drydown. The overall impression is bright fruity aquatic floral luxury, polished and feminine in the late-2000s designer tradition.

Common Questions

Is this the same as the current 3 L’Imperatrice?
The current 3 L’Imperatrice (relaunched without the “Anthology” branding) follows similar lines but differs from the 2009 original. Our interpretation follows the original Anthology composition character that loyal wearers remember.

Why was the original discontinued?
D&G retired the entire Anthology collection (the five tarot card fragrances) over the years. L’Imperatrice was the last to remain, eventually rebranded simply as “3 L’Imperatrice” without the Anthology series identity.

Best season?
Spring and summer especially, when the bright fruity aquatic character reads at its best. The composition was clearly built for warm weather and casual occasions.

How long does it last?
Six to nine hours at our concentration, with the sandalwood musk drydown lingering on clothing into the next day. The 40 percent oil approach extends the wearing significantly beyond the original eau de toilette format.

Is the original still available?

No, the original has been discontinued, which is part of why our interpretation exists, to keep the scent within reach. Rather than paying rising resale prices for old stock, you get a fresh, high concentration take on the same character.

Disclaimer

Dolce & Gabbana and L’Impératrice 3 are trademarks of their respective owners, and all rights remain with them. Parfumour is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or connected to Dolce & Gabbana in any way, and no business relationship of any kind is implied. Our product is an original interpretation created to evoke a similar scent profile, and the trademark names are used purely for honest, descriptive comparison, so that you can quickly identify the style and fragrance family you are looking for. We make no claim to sell the original product, and we do not use the same ingredients or formula. Any similarity lies in the overall impression of the scent as interpreted by our own perfumers, not in the source materials.