This modern “floriental” perfume was created in 2006 with the exceptional, knock-out woman in mind. The type of woman who is instantly noticed not just for her flawless beauty but also for her exceptional grace and poise.

The One by Dolce & Gabbana is meant to embody the mood of timeless elegance.

Top notes are zesty mandarin, lychee, bergamot and creamy peach, with a base of vanilla deliciously layered with amber and plum. The woodsy tones of vetiver root, amber and musk add a sensuous aura but it’s the heart notes of lily and jasmine that hold court.

Although The One is has a strong opening you should be prepared for, it eventually becomes a much lighter, more wearable scent. A couple of hours after the initial lychee/mandarin blast, all that remains is a sophisticated creamy blend of peach and amber, rounded out by the musk. It’s definitely tame enough to wear to work or anywhere else you want to smell nice but discreet.

I generally stay away from scents with vanilla notes; too many of them leave me smelling cloyingly sweet like either a cookie or cupcake. The vanilla note in The One is a more subtle, almost abstract type of vanilla, which makes me think of a warm sweater by the fire or a cozy blanket rather than a dessert.

If you love vanilla scents and want minimal floral notes, this is probably not for you. I’d recommend something like Tihota by Indult for straight up vanilla with a whisper of musk.

What I love most about The One is its diffusiveness and presence. The trail left in this perfume’s wake, commonly called sillage, is remarkably appealing. It never feels overwhelming or heady, but the shadow of the fragrance is long lasting.

After the success of The One for women, Dolce & Gabbana launched The One for Men in 2008. The One for Men is a completely different animal which features tobacco and cedar as its main notes. Make sure you don’t grab the wrong bottle or you will be in for a rude awakening.

A 2.5 oz. bottle of The One for women is approximately $65.