Nearly three decades after its original debut, Dolce & Gabbana brings back one of its most distinctive fragrances, combining Italian glamour, sensual florals and the unmistakable leopard-print design that defined an era.
Luxury fragrance is experiencing a renewed fascination with iconic creations from the past, and Dolce & Gabbana has embraced the trend with the return of By Woman Re-Edition 1997.
Originally introduced in 1997, the fragrance makes its comeback in 2026 as part of the Italian fashion house’s exclusive Re-Edition Collection. The revival celebrates a distinctive chapter in Dolce & Gabbana’s beauty heritage while introducing its sensual character to a new generation of perfume lovers.
With its striking leopard-print bottle, rich floral composition and warm woody base, By Woman represents a confident approach to femininity that feels just as relevant today as it did nearly thirty years ago.
A Signature of Italian Glamour
The first thing that attracts attention is undoubtedly the bottle.
Covered in Dolce & Gabbana’s signature leopard pattern, the rectangular flacon makes a bold statement with its gold detailing and black textile label embroidered in gold.
Rather than following the minimalist aesthetic favoured by many contemporary fragrances, By Woman celebrates decorative luxury, personality and unmistakable visual identity.
The design reflects the fashion house’s long-standing fascination with animal prints, Italian sensuality and expressive femininity.
This connection between fragrance and couture is also explored in First Avenue’s feature, Dolce & Gabbana Velvet Collection: Couture Perfumery, Bottled, highlighting how the brand transforms fashion heritage into sophisticated olfactory creations.
A Floral-Woody Fragrance with Character
Behind the statement-making bottle lies an intriguing composition that balances freshness, floral elegance and warmth.
Created by perfumer Domitille Michalon Bertier, the original By Woman fragrance became known for its distinctive personality.
The 2026 Re-Edition opens with luminous bergamot and delicate freesia, creating a fresh introduction.
At its heart, tiger lily and jasmine introduce a rich floral character, while coffee and sandalwood provide a warm, sophisticated foundation.
The combination creates an interesting contrast between radiant flowers and deeper, comforting notes.
According to Fragrantica’s fragrance profile, the perfume belongs to the floral woody musk family, with coffee and sandalwood contributing to its distinctive character.
Why Vintage Perfumes Are Making a Comeback
The revival of By Woman reflects the fragrance industry’s growing appreciation for heritage.
While new launches frequently introduce unexpected ingredients and contemporary bottle designs, established classics offer something different: a connection to a particular era, aesthetic and emotional memory.
For customers who remember the original 1997 fragrance, the Re-Edition offers an opportunity to rediscover a familiar name.
