SOTD: The Dreamer by Versace 05/05/2026
A popular Oriental Fourgere that has a cult following since it's release back in 1996. Created by the renowned perfumer Jean-Pierre Béthouart, during an era of experimentation for the house of Versace. Unlike the mass appealing blue scents common today, The Dreamer was said to have been designed to capture a sense of introspection and romanticism, aimed at visionaries and artists. Aestheticly, from the octagonal bottle featuring the iconic Medusa head to the starry, celestial packaging, matched the ethereal mysterious character they wanted to achieve, making it one of the most distinctive designer fragrances of the late 90s. Initially, I was not a fan, I felt it was too weak with poor performance, but over time I guess my nose has developed and I'm not only starting to enjoy but also appreciate this fragrance for what it is. The fragrance opens with a sharp, medicinal, herbal burst of clary sage, lavender,l & mandarin orange, which can feel quite intense. However, as the initial screamer phase settles, the heart reveals a soft, powdery, romantic core of tobacco blossom, rose & geranium. It is important to note that this features the sweet, airy scent of the tobacco flower rather than the smoky or ashy smell of dried leaves. The dry-down is where the magic truly happens, as it evolves into a comforting, clean, and slightly creamy base of tonka bean, cedar & vetiver, leaving a trail that smells like fresh linens & soap. In terms of performance, The Dreamer won't last past about 4 hrs of longevity on the skin. Its projection is quite strong during the first hour, before it settles into a more intimate scent bubble. Because of its powdery and floral-tobacco nature, it is best suited for Spring and Autumn, or cool summer nights; the extreme heat of summer can make the herbal opening too cloying, while the deep winter cold may dampen its floral nuances. It is an ideal choice for casual evening wear, date nights, or creative office environments where you want to stand out with a scent that is undeniably classy. Were else would you get a buget friendly Versace for approx €20?