The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
The Dua Brand launched The Empress in 2023 as part of their Designer Line, a collection that restructures coveted luxury scents at more accessible price points. The house identified a notable gap: watermelon, a signature found in countless copies and clones, had never been officially listed among the notes of an original fragrance from their own lab. The Empress was built to change that, using strawberry and watermelon as the opening declaration of intent, with florals and a smoke-tinged base to follow.
The decision to pair strawberry with watermelon reflects a philosophy of layering obvious notes with unexpected ones. Strawberry is straightforward; watermelon adds a dimension that makes the pairing feel less literal. The smoke in the drydown serves a similar purpose: it keeps the floral heart from reading as purely feminine by introducing a counterbalancing edge. Together, these choices create a fragrance that walks between sweetness and complexity, never fully committing to either side.
The evolution
The fragrance begins with the strawberry-watermelon combination, a pairing that feels simultaneously nostalgic and fresh. As the scent develops, cyclamen arrives first, bringing a slightly green, aquatic undertone that bridges the juicy opening into the floral middle. Rose and magnolia expand from there, creating a heart that feels generous rather than delicate. Pink peony rounds out the floral composition before the base takes over, where musk and sandalwood provide staying power while smoke and woody notes introduce an element of quiet intrigue.
Cultural impact
Since its 2023 launch, The Empress has become a talking point among fragrance fans for finally listing watermelon as a top note, a rarity that sparked online debates and Instagram shares. Its blend of sweet fruit and smoky wood appeals to those who enjoy a playful yet sophisticated profile, positioning it as a go‑to summer staple in the Dua Designer Line community.
