Sicily

The Discontinued Italian Black Rose, 2003

Sicily launched in 2003, composed by Olivier Cresp as one of D&G’s most distinctive feminine compositions of the early 2000s. The brief was an exotic floral inspired by the Sicilian landscape, built around bergamot at the opening, black rose, jasmine, honeysuckle and heliotrope at the heart, and a sandalwood base. The “black rose” accord (a darker more sensual rose than typical pink rose compositions) gave Sicily its trademark mysterious character. Where typical early-2000s feminines went either powerhouse oriental or aquatic-fresh, Sicily pulled into Italian floral exotic territory with confident sensual character. D&G has since discontinued the original 2003 Sicily, though a “Sicily Re-Edition 2003” launched in 2023 as a tribute. Original bottles sell on resale platforms. Our interpretation respects the original character.

How It Smells

The opening is bright and slightly green, bergamot leading with its sparkling citrus character, and a quiet floral edge appearing through the early phase. Within fifteen minutes the floral heart unfolds with exotic character: black rose takes a leading role with its darker more sensual rose character (rendered as deep and slightly mysterious rather than fresh and pink), jasmine adds creamy white floral support, honeysuckle contributes a honeyed sweet floral nuance, heliotrope adds a soft powdered floral depth, and a soft floral continues threading through the middle. The base is the perfume’s Italian luxury anchor. Sandalwood provides creamy wood depth (the composition’s signature drydown note), and a quiet woody character grounds the finish. The overall impression is exotic Italian floral feminine luxury.

The Notes

Top: bergamot.
Heart: black rose, jasmine, honeysuckle, heliotrope.
Base: sandalwood.

How Our Version Compares

With the original 2003 Sicily discontinued, finding original bottles has become difficult. Resale platforms continue to list bottles but freshness varies. Our European Union production at 40 percent perfume oil concentration brings the composition back at proper density, with the bergamot opening sparkling cleanly, the black rose jasmine honeysuckle heliotrope heart holding through the wearing, and the sandalwood drydown lasting well into the next day on clothing.

Common Questions

What is black rose?
A perfumery accord referencing a darker more sensual rose character than typical pink-rose compositions. Black rose reads deeper, slightly mysterious, with jammy floral character. It is what distinguishes Sicily from typical floral feminines and gives the composition its trademark sensual identity.

Is the 2023 Re-Edition the same as the original?
Similar but reformulated. D&G launched “Sicily Re-Edition 2003” in 2023 as a tribute to the original, following similar lines but with updated materials within current IFRA regulations. Loyal wearers of the original find the Re-Edition close but distinguishable.

Best season?
Year round, with particular strength in spring and summer when the exotic floral character reads at its best. The composition’s polished sensual quality works in autumn and casual winter occasions too.

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

Comparative Advertising Disclaimer

Parfumour creates inspired by interpretations of well known fragrances. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Dolce & Gabbana. Dolce & Gabbana and Sicily are trademarks of their respective owners. Our product is an independently formulated fragrance designed to evoke a similar olfactive impression, helping customers identify a scent profile they are seeking.