Dreamer The Original Edition

I'll start by saying, this is not at all what I'd normally go for as a fragrance. Perhaps the polar opposite of my usual style. In 2012, someone gave me a bottle of it, and I saw the brand and instantly assumed "this has to be good - it's Versace". I remember that whenever I'd wear it, I'd get so many compliments from women, and recognition from men; "you're wearing The Dreamer". To me, I was just wearing something that'd been given to me for free, but I did enjoy that the women enjoyed it. I didn't remember much about the scent itself except that it drew compliments. Fast forward a decade to 2022, and I was on a little 'rebuilding my old collection' mission, so I bought a bottle knowing, again, "this is not my usual vibe", but I figured I'd keep it on the back burner as a nighttime/event fragrance. Thing is, my nose had matured considerably. I wasn't just smelling 'nice' anymore; I was beginning to pick apart openings, transitions and dry-downs. I've been wearing colognes since I was 12-13, so the mid-to-late 90s. I fell into a generation of really high-quality scents that still remain today; not just amongst the nostalgia 'heads' who want to rebuild their 'peak version of me'. Back in the 90s and 00s it was all about smelling good for women, whereas nowadays, for me at least, it's about smelling good for myself. Feeling confident. Feeling ready. I pick apart fragrances like I pick apart my football team's tactics. I'm obsessive with it. The opening has an almost medicinal bitterness that catches me off guard every time. There's a sharp, very synthetic edge that reminds me of household chemicals. It settles, but those first few minutes, even up to an hour or so, never quite work for me. There's an antiseptic quality that feels completely disconnected from the much warmer dry-down, and whilst that dry-down really isn't my style either, I can still respect and appreciate it. But that opening is truly awful to me - to the point of "I want to wash this off my skin". Once the opening disappears, everything changes. The tobacco comes forward and the fragrance settles into something smoother, darker and far more confident. It feels expensive in the old-school sense. Less nightclub, more gentleman stepping off a yacht after dinner. It's giving "wealthy 30-something guy with two shirt buttons open arriving at a restaurant", and you want to hate him, but you can't quite bring yourself to do so. What I eventually realised in my second stint wearing this in 2022, was that this fragrance was more about people's reactions than anything else. And I don't wear cologne to get reactions. Sure, it's nice to be complimented on your scent, and I have plenty of fragrances I wear that draw attention, and I do enjoy it, but I have to enjoy wearing it myself, first and foremost, and this just isn't it for me.

Could do better an easy pass on this one 😳😳🤦🏾🤦🏾🤦🏾

Looking back at this mid-nineties classic, it’s clear why it still sparks debate among fragrance fans. The Dreamer comes from a time when Versace was going through big creative changes. Even so, this scent captured a timeless, romantic feel that stood apart from the era’s bold, masculine trends. Here are my thoughts about how it holds up today: TOP NOTES The first few minutes are intense, sharp, and very synthetic. If you are used to modern, sweet designer scents, the first five minutes might be a real surprise. This harsh opening comes from a strong burst of artemisia and tarragon, which creates a cold, medicinal herbal dryness. Even though the new formulation from 2010 doesn’t state lavender in the official breakdown, it is still definitely here, along with tonka beans, which dominate the dry down. HEART NOTES If you give the scent 15 to 20 minutes to settle on skin, that initial chaotic edge dissolves entirely, yielding to one of the most stunning mid-phase developments in designer perfumery. The Iris and Lily step forward to reframe the scent’s character. On skin, this stage produces a tactile sensation of cool, soothing air. BASE NOTES The core driver here is tobacco blossom—and it is crucial to note that this is not dark pipe tobacco, smoky cigar smoke, or heavy cigarette ash. Instead, it captures the fresh, slightly green, sweet nectar of the flowering tobacco plant. Anchored by a smooth tonka and amber base, it creates a comforting warmth that stays close to the skin. OVERALL It has become a common talking point in fragrance circles that the bold, artistic risks taken by designer houses in the 1990s rarely happen in today’s commercial market. When evaluating current releases alongside vintage classics, that observation holds true for a scent like this. Ultimately, my appreciation for Versace The Dreamer comes down to its quiet authenticity once the loud opening act fades away. It doesn’t attempt to cover you in heavy sugars or loud synthetic spices; instead, it settles on skin to create a calm, clean, and peaceful aura. Read the full review at scentgrail (.) com

I absolutely love and cherish my old bottle. Couldn't believe that a scent of this quality could be so inexpensive. It is, like the name suggests, dreamy, but not a pushover, it has a sharp character. Beautiful, quality scent. Forget the gatekeeping and don't wait until you're old or turn into a man; if you have style, and like it, wear it regardless of age and sex.

It's ok smell nice but I think not for under 50 years old Man. It's cheap and worth it if you want a mature type of fragrance.

Anyone wants better Quality, Pure Smell and Elegant Vibes (Niche) go to EX NIHILI Speed legend 🥰

Opening a bit alcoholic but the drydown is great , reminds me of a bad ass gentlemen with coat and smoking cigarettes in 90s.

I have 3 bottles of 100ml that I bought for £17 each. If that's not a bargain, I don't know what it is. Lavender, juniper, Tobacco. The only slight issue is... Close yours eyes And focus.. it's slightly, very slightly aged. For the untrained nose, it's almost niche.

Eryo is inexplicably similar but not as loud.

Now that my collection has grown my opinion of this fragrance has changed. It's scent is pleasant and synthetic. It smells like a tobacco and floral scented shampoo. This would be considered an old scent by most. This is sweet non offensive almost undetectable by people around you scent, but can be a little harsh to the wearer. If you overspray this on your neck it gives this vinegar like vibe in the opening, but gets better in the dry down. It's a unique 90s fragrance. Back in those times it was definitely a fragrance that I would love, today this is a collectable. Scent: 6/10 Projection: 5/10 Versatility: 8/10 Longevity: 8/10

This is very niche for quality and creativity. The original versace dreamer is a stand alone fragrance and it's still alive today (thanks god!). The mix of lavender, tobacco flower, rose, geranium and vetiver is extremely well done, a bit powdery, smooth, fresh but in an "autumnal" way. the dreamer is overlooked but it's a shame. After so many years this scent is quite mature, This is for people over 35, a young kid can easily dislike this edt. Autumn is the best season for this stuff. It has a romantic, poetic and artistic vibe. I have the old formula with the cosmic box but the reformulation is good, but not as good as the older version. The current version has the same DNA, i dont think we need a different page in this site. The modern one is less rich, less refined but the DNA is still alive. Performance is ok. A masterpiece from the 90's! La versione vintage di Versace dreamer è un profumo fantastico e particolare, ora passerebbe tranquillamente per profumo di nicchia. Sicuramente non è adatto ai giovani o ai neofiti. Ha un'anima romantica e poetica nella sua unicità. La versione attuale conserva il DNA di questo eau de toilette; è una buona riformulazione che tuttavia non ha la stessa qualità e raffinatezza della formula vintage. Scent -9 Longevity -7 Sillage-7 Uniqueness-9 Versatility-7,5 Presentation-8 Compliment factor-7 Back up bottle? Yes My vote- 9 In one word- poetic Alternative - dolce gabbana pour homme vintage

I’m a woman and I’ve gone through bottles of Versace dreamer!! To me it smells like cotton candy and tabacco

Layer this one with Aramis Tobacco Reserve and you have a monstrous good blend of dry tobacco and sweetness…perfect! Versace should have gone with a stronger tobacco note and they would have really had something here.

Perfect example if big designer name want to create something cheap : The quality of essence oil & blend is below average.. id rather choose Mid eastern fragrance at this point Scent profile is unique, unfortunately its not for Me.. # Blind buy just to full fill collection

Really good but not for everyone scent because this scent is old masculine powdery white flower dominant. Drydown is smells like little bit le male OG only problem with this is longevity and projection

Listen, the newer versions are just fine, but do yourself a favor and find an older bottle. The only Versace worth owning no matter the version.

One of the best designer fragrances ever created, period, well derserving of being in a top 10, it's a masterpiece and there will never be anything like it, not a clone or even its current reformulation can replicate the beauty of this scent, keep in mind this is the original 1996 version we're talking about, so before writting a nonsense review like some people are doing here you should smell the original one and I guarantee you'll like it more than the modern version.

This is the most niche review i am ever probably going to make about a fragrance but hope thats okay since its simple okay i just got this because it was hella cheap on amazon($20) and i needed $35 in my cart for free shipping so i decided to add it in. because it was a blind buy i was kinda nervous about it but i was relieved when first spraying it. ....DESCRIPTION.... For me since my childhood was in the late 2000's i always watched a show called "the goodnight show" on pbs kids which was from my memory very whimsical as there was a very soft spoken woman and a plushy star as the main characters i believe. And this fragrance is exactly how i remember watching this show a crisp, cold night, post bubble bath, under a slightly smelly/dirty, 100% cotton, fluffy blankey that needs to be washed, living room lit by one small lamp and a nightlight, while this show plays on a old tv that would still have that subtle ringing noise as the stereo played.

smells like a indian ik

It seems like the reviews on this post are a bit of a mixed bag considering they might be talking about the 'new' Versace Dreamer but I've owned the 'new' version for awhile before I decided I wanted to find the original formulation and, I can confidently say it's definitely more polished than the newer one. I get 4-6 hours with it and it projects more unlike the new one. The trail you leave when you walk by is actually really good also, it's rich, rosy, and warm, 9/10

Best scent on a man I've ever smelled. I'm like Oprah giving out bottles to dates. I love it on me too. Just add a little feminine layers.. Or not.

Probably the only solid release from an otherwise terrible house in the past thirty years. Soft, powdery, and approachable with a slight cosmopolitan flair. The overall effect approaches anise, but just a bit over sweetened. It's lacking the cosmetic quality that I often prefer in iris, and is ultimately overshadowed by a few higher quality scents in the same vein. But - this is a very passable mix of barbershop fougere and powdery floral that can convey a certain androgynous appeal. Given that it is far cheaper than many good alternatives, still worth having around.

I really love this fragrance. Got mine at a great price for $18. It reminds me of what they pump into the casinos, like at the Borgata or Ballys. It’s fresh, inviting, clean and soapy. My gf loves when I wear this one. Doesn’t last super long, I’d say around 4/5 hours. Great smell for a great price.

Wearing this perfume makes me smell like an angel going outside on my smoke break on a particularly hard shift while it's lightly drizzling outside. Immediately, you're hit with lavender (but not too much as lavender can easily annoy me), and waiting for the tobacco note to hit you; it'll come soon after. It's a very soft dreamy scent. This is the first perfume I got when I started to present more masculine. I wanted something more androgynous but masculine leaning to match my appearance; and it's perfect. I dislike the way a lot of men's fragrances lean way too hard into strong scents; but on me it's soft, clean with a hint of tobacco (like a plant, less like a smoker). My friends say the way I describe the perfume as an angel crying is depressing, but I think of it as moody and kinda sweet, like a melodramatic film you can romanticize.

It's too synthetic and yes too feminine. Delancy dnd fangirls hold my beer.

It is 1887 and you are in a popular luxurious opium lounge. You are resting on large velvet cushions in your thick silk brocade robe worn on top of your clean starched white shirt. You inhale metallic cherry smoke and as your eyes roll back, you drift away in your sweet sweet dreams. You travel fast and far in your fantasies from Istanbul to Jaipur and reluctantly back home to London.

I haven't tried this yet, but delancy, that is the funniest review I've read in a long time

I need multiple bottles of this version! I have been searching for the best soapy clean for maaaaaaaaany years. Always disregarding this due to claims of this being nice but carrying the handicap of poor performance. Recently a good friend randomly dropped me a sample and I am a huge fan. I need a literal gallon!!! I have tried this and the reform. I think this one has a lil more heft and character. ISO (In search of) and INO (In need of) this. I'm a Dreamer.

I've never been a big fan of The Dreamer. I don't hate it or anything, but over the years, despite testing it over and over, I've never liked it enough to own a bottle myself. But you've gotta love the gall of a lot of the male reviewers here calling this a "grandma scent" and others saying it's "too feminine" when you go on their profile and you can see that they are drenching themselves in syrupy, sweet "essence of pancake syrup" shite like Le Male Elixir and also stinking blue or fruity ambroxan bombs. Yet this is somehow too "feminine" for them? The hypocrisy and lack of self-awareness is next level...

Loved this one, was the first masculine fragrance that let me know that there might be some colognes out there for me. Definitely similar to JPG Le Male. I find this to be unisex due to the sweetness of it. This scent reminded me of the natural scent of my sister and I loved that about it. Some people are just blessed to have a natural, nice smelling musk to them and she is one of them. I, on the other hand, smell like my dad, naturally. Lol. My clothes I haven't worn in a long time, if I open a drawer up from winter I smell my dad which is super weird.