By

Dolce & Gabbana By: What You Need to Know

Some fragrances become dominant because they deserve to be. By Dolce & Gabbana is that kind of fragrance — an EDT whose Aromatic, Fresh Spicy, Woody, Warm Spicy character, engineered by Nathalie Lorson and launched in 1999, has earned its standing through consistent performance rather than marketing alone. This review provides the data to evaluate it properly: scores, climate results and pricing, not adjectives.

One of the most sought-after discontinued 'unicorn' fragrances in history, housed in the famous zebra-print bottle.

How By Smells: Notes & Development

By opens with Lavender, Nutmeg, Pepper and Tangerine — an assertive first impression that carries across a room. Give it twenty or thirty minutes and the middle act arrives: Artemisia and Jasmine. Hours in, what remains is the foundation: Sandalwood, Leather, Amber and Guaiac Wood.

Strip it back to the bones and the profile reads Aromatic, Fresh Spicy, Woody, Warm Spicy — easy to place and easy to wear.

Performance: Longevity, Sillage & Versatility

Longevity (8/10): By delivers strong longevity for EDT. On most skin types expect 8–12 hours. A single morning application typically carries through well into the evening without reinforcement.

Sillage (8/10): By projects as a confident aura, detectable by those nearby. One or two sprays is all that is needed — over-application will overpower rather than impress.

Versatility (8/10): By is a genuine all-rounder — at ease at a wedding, a boardroom meeting, or a late-night dinner. From casual daytime to formal evening, it adapts without feeling out of place.

Value (5/10): At around $300, there is a real question of whether the experience fully justifies the investment. Consider the alternatives in this review before committing.

Climate Performance: Where By Works Best

Of the five climate zones we score, By does best in mild (Islamabad, San Francisco) at 9/10 — it keeps its shape there instead of turning sharp or fading fast. The number to watch is extreme heat (Riyadh, Phoenix) at 4/10, where you are better off reaching for something else.

Its heavy, spicy sandalwood base performs wonderfully in dry winter nights across Punjab.

Its average across all five zones is 6.8/10 — broad enough to wear most of the year without second-guessing the weather.

To see how it ranks against every other fragrance for your conditions, run the Climate Matcher.

When to Wear By

By is best suited to Special Occasion, Evening Scent, Night Out. The projection ensures presence without deliberate effort — ideal for outdoor gatherings and social occasions where you want to register.

Seasonally, By performs best in Autumn, Winter. The climate data supports this range, though performance at the extremes — deep cold or intense heat — may vary.

D&G By Man vs vintage D&G Pour Homme: Which late 90s masterpiece ruled supreme?

Price & Value

Internationally, By sits at $300–$500. That places it firmly in luxury territory — a considered purchase competing with the top tier of niche and designer-exclusive releases.

Regional pricing: PKR 70,000–95,000 in Pakistan, AED 1,000–1,500 in the UAE. The currency switcher at the top of this page converts every price on the site — EUR, GBP, SAR and more — using current rates.

Where to buy: Internationally: Ebay, Vintage Dealers. GCC/UAE: None (Ebay only). Pakistan: None (Discontinued).

By Clones & Cheaper Alternatives

If price is the only thing keeping you from By, the closest match is Dua Fragrances Gone But Not Forgotten at a 90% DNA match — near enough that most noses would struggle to separate the two blind. The full shortlist:

Dua Fragrances Gone But Not Forgotten (90% DNA match): $60 / PKR 15,000 / AED 220 — a saving of approximately 80% versus the original.

The Clone Finder searches the full database by note DNA if none of these fit.

Verdict

By earns its place in the conversation through consistent performance, a clear identity, and data that backs the reputation.

An overall 7/10 puts By in solid-but-situational territory: strong where it is strong, ordinary elsewhere. Match it to the right season and occasion and it pays off.

Is it actually a masterpiece, or is its legendary status driven entirely by extreme rarity and nostalgia?

Still deciding? Put it head-to-head against anything else in the database — scores, notes and prices side by side.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does By last?

By has a longevity score of 8/10. On average skin, expect 8–12 hours. Performance can vary with skin type, application method, and ambient temperature — heat accelerates diffusion while dry skin absorbs fragrance faster.

Is By worth the price?

At around $300, By Dolce & Gabbana is a premium-priced option that warrants careful comparison with alternatives. Its performance scores, climate range, and composition quality make it a considered purchase — evaluate your priorities against the alternatives before committing.

What does By smell like?

By is characterised by Aromatic, Fresh Spicy, Woody, Warm Spicy accords. Opening with Lavender and Nutmeg, the heart revolves around Artemisia and Jasmine, settling into a base of Sandalwood and Leather.

Is By good for hot or humid weather?

By was not designed for extreme heat (score: 5/10). In genuinely hot climates, reserve it for cooled indoor environments or evening wear.

What is the best clone or alternative to By?

The closest alternative is Dua Fragrances Gone But Not Forgotten at a 90% DNA match. At around $60, it represents a saving of approximately 80% versus the original.

Is By for men or women?

By is marketed as a Masculine fragrance. Fragrance gender classifications are marketing constructs. Wear what you love.