Dolce&Gabbana Pour Homme (2012) Dolce&Gabbana 2012 male 642

The Verdict

Dolce and Gabbana Pour Homme (2012) is a reformulation and relaunch of the house's beloved 1994 masculine fragrance, with Stefano Gabbana himself describing it as "not so much a reedition as a fine-tuning." In practice, this fine-tuning has proven contentious. The 2012 version retains the fundamental character of the original, a clean, soapy, gentlemanly aromatic fougere, but with noticeably reduced depth, richness, and projection that leave vintage enthusiasts mourning what was lost.

For those encountering Pour Homme for the first time without the burden of comparison, the 2012 version presents a pleasant enough mainstream masculine fragrance. It is the definition of safe, a clean-from-the-shower scent that offends no one and impresses few. The tragedy is not that it is bad, but that it stands in the shadow of something that was genuinely exceptional.

What It Smells Like

The opening presents a bright citrus accord of bergamot, neroli, and mandarin orange. There is a retro quality to this opening that recalls late-1980s masculine perfumery, though the citrus here feels somewhat thinner and sharper than what the original delivered. A pungent lavender leaf note provides an aromatic freshness, while some reviewers detect a pine needle-like accord that adds a green, slightly medicinal edge.

The heart develops into a tingly, slightly mentholated quality as lavender meets sage and black pepper. This is the fragrance's most interesting phase, where the herbal-spicy combination creates a sense of freshness that goes beyond simple cleanliness. The lavender is not barbershop-heavy but rather restrained and modern.

The base brings a sweeter, silky quality through tonka bean and cedar, with subtle tobacco notes adding a masculine warmth. The dry-down is where the 2012 version most closely echoes the original's character, settling into a gentle woody-tobacco comfort that wears close to the skin. The overall impression is of a freshly showered man in a pressed shirt, clean and put-together without being flashy.

When to Wear It

Pour Homme (2012) is an excellent year-round fragrance with particular strength in spring and autumn. Its clean character suits professional environments perfectly, making it an ideal office scent. The moderate warmth of the tobacco-tonka base also allows it to work in cooler months without feeling thin.

Date nights are another strong option, as the fragrance projects a gentlemanly confidence that reads as polished rather than trying too hard. Summer is its weakest season, where the composition can feel slightly heavy despite its clean opening.

Longevity & Projection

Performance is a notable weakness of the 2012 reformulation. Multiple reviewers report that projection is almost nil, with the fragrance quickly settling as a skin scent. Longevity on skin runs approximately four hours for most wearers, though the scent may persist on clothing somewhat longer.

This represents a significant downgrade from the 1994 original, which was known for filling rooms and lasting through full days. The 2012 version requires closer proximity to be appreciated, which may be a benefit in office settings but feels insufficient for evening or social wear.

The Community Says

The fragrance community is sharply divided along generational lines. Those who knew and loved the 1994 original tend to be deeply critical. Basenotes reviewers describe the new formulations as just a shadow of the Made-in-Italy originals, noting that while the general shape of the scent remains, the richness and complexity have been stripped away. One blogger concluded they would rather create their own scents than settle for the German-made reformulation.

Now Smell This took a more balanced view, acknowledging Pour Homme as an unmistakably mainstream fragrance with nothing unusual about it, but one that performs well within its comfortable, straightforward positioning. Reviewers who approach it without vintage comparison tend to rate it more favorably, finding it a clean, elegant everyday scent that does its job quietly.

Who Should Buy This

Dolce and Gabbana Pour Homme (2012) is best suited for men who appreciate clean, soapy, conservative masculine fragrances and who have no prior attachment to the 1994 original. If you want an inoffensive office fragrance with a touch of old-school gentlemanly charm, it delivers that experience competently.

Vintage enthusiasts and those who remember the original should temper expectations significantly. The 2012 version is not a faithful recreation but rather a cost-reduced approximation that retains the spirit while sacrificing the substance.

The Bottom Line

Dolce and Gabbana Pour Homme (2012) is a competent but diminished reformulation of an Italian classic, offering clean, soapy, gentlemanly charm in a less potent package. It functions well as a safe, everyday masculine fragrance for those without nostalgia for the original, but it stands as a cautionary tale about the compromises of reformulation in modern perfumery.