Sleeping
Sleeping by Schiaparelli is a historic fragrance from 1938 designed for women. This classic woody floral features top notes of bergamot and galbanum, resting on a deep base of oakmoss and vetiver. It is a mature, complex scent that performs exceptionally well during the cooler months, ideal for evening wear and formal events where a traditional, earthy profile is preferred.
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Performance Metrics
1 VOTESOpen Performance Breakdown 1 TAKE
It provides solid longevity, lasting between six and eight hours. The projection is moderate, maintaining an arm's length radius for the first two hours before settling closer to the skin.
Notes Pyramid
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Sleeping is an earthy, green woody floral with a dry and structured texture. It hinges on the bitterness of galbanum, the classic depth of oakmoss, and the supporting florals of rose and jasmine, creating a sophisticated and serious profile that avoids all modern sweetness.
Main Accords
10 MAPPEDThe woody and floral accords work in tandem to create a firm, grounded sensation on the skin. The oakmoss provides a constant, damp resonance that holds the brighter white florals in check, preventing them from becoming too airy or light.
Community Data
45 TOTAL VOTESCOMMUNITY SENTIMENT
OWNERSHIP STATS
GENDER APPEAL
REVIEW SENTIMENT
When to Wear
TAP TO VOTETIME OF DAY · TAP TO VOTE
OCCASIONS · TAP TO VOTE
This perfume is clearly aimed at the serious enthusiast. It is not for the person looking for a quick morning spray before the gym. It thrives in the context of autumn and winter, where it harmonizes with the crisp air and heavier textures of wool or silk. It demands a wearer who understands the weight of history and does not mind the slightly prickly, old-school greenness that makes it unique.
Pros & Cons
Quick take before you sampleWHY PEOPLE MAY LIKE IT
Offers a rare, historic composition from 1938
Deep, earthy oakmoss profile stands out from modern scents
Excellent longevity of six to eight hours
Perfect for formal evening occasions and galas
Sophisticated green floral balance without excess sweetness
Beautiful, iconic bottle design worth displaying
Ideal for enthusiasts of classic chypre constructions
Wears exceptionally well in cold autumn and winter air
Projected at a polite arm's length suitable for dinners
Adds a sense of gravity and maturity to any outfit
WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR
The sharp galbanum opening can be polarizing
Can feel too dusty or dated to modern noses
Lacks the light, fruity appeal of mainstream scents
Not suited for warm weather or humid climates
Difficult to find as a widely available sample
Base notes can feel a bit austere or cold
Not a crowd-pleasing scent for casual daily use
Floral notes are restrained, not lush or booming
Requires a specific formal dress code to match its weight
May be too complex for beginning fragrance wearers
Fragranxe Review
EDITORIAL“Sleeping by Schiaparelli: Revisiting a 1938 Woody Floral Landmark”
The opening of Sleeping is an immediate trip back to a different era of fragrance construction. It starts with a sharp, bracing hit of bergamot quickly softened by the characteristic bite of galbanum. This green start is not friendly or sweet. It is demanding, announcing a composition that values structure and tradition over immediate mass appeal. If you are looking for soft fruits, you will be disappointed right away.
As the heart emerges, the floral notes begin to bloom in a formal, measured way. Rose, jasmine, and magnolia are present, but they are not the syrupy versions found in modern designer bottles. They feel grounded by the carnation, which adds a dry, peppery edge. The ylang-ylang provides a hint of creaminess, yet the overall texture remains decidedly firm and somewhat austere as it settles on the skin.
By the time you reach the dry-down, the earthy base takes full command. The oakmoss is the true protagonist here, providing that distinct damp, forest-floor quality that defines classic chypres. Patchouli and vetiver reinforce this woody skeleton, while amber and vanilla provide just enough warmth to keep the scent from feeling completely desolate or cold. It is a masterful study in balance, where the florals act as a bridge between the sharp green top and the dark, resinous floor.
Performance is surprisingly solid for its age. On my skin, the fragrance persists for about seven hours. The projection is strongest in the first ninety minutes, projecting about an arm's length before it moves closer to the body. It does not possess beast-mode intensity, which is a mercy given the density of the notes. It is a scent that wants to be discovered by others nearby rather than announced from across the room.
This perfume is clearly aimed at the serious enthusiast. It is not for the person looking for a quick morning spray before the gym. It thrives in the context of autumn and winter, where it harmonizes with the crisp air and heavier textures of wool or silk. It demands a wearer who understands the weight of history and does not mind the slightly prickly, old-school greenness that makes it unique.
In final assessment, Sleeping is a beautiful, uncompromising piece of art. While the green and mossy notes may be too intense for those used to modern sweetness, it represents a specific, elegant moment in time. If you have the chance to sample it, do so, but be prepared for a journey through a very different olfactory world.
FAQs
How would you describe the scent profile of Sleeping?+
Sleeping is a vintage woody floral fragrance. It opens with sharp bergamot and green galbanum before settling into a heart dominated by jasmine and carnation. The deep base of oakmoss and patchouli gives it a serious, earthy character perfect for autumn evenings.
What is the difference between the opening and the dry-down?+
The opening is bright and slightly bitter due to the bergamot and galbanum notes. After about an hour, the scent transitions into a much softer, more powdery floral arrangement on the skin, anchored by lingering sandalwood and vanilla base notes that feel cozy during winter wear.
How long does Sleeping typically last on the skin?+
As a classic formulation, it has respectable longevity. You can expect it to sit on your skin for six to eight hours. The vetiver and musk in the base ensure it stays present throughout an entire workday, although it may need a re-application before a late dinner.
Does this fragrance project heavily or stay close to the wearer?+
It projects with moderate intensity. It leaves a subtle trail when you enter a room during the first two hours of wear, then retracts to become a more intimate scent. It behaves well in office settings because it does not overwhelm the immediate vicinity after settling.
Which season is most suitable for wearing this fragrance?+
The woody and earthy accords make this an excellent choice for autumn and winter. The oakmoss and patchouli notes feel too heavy for hot summer days, but they harmonize beautifully with the crisp air and heavier fabrics associated with the cooler months.
Is this a good choice for formal events?+
Yes, its structured, classic profile makes it well-suited for formal occasions like evening galas or theater performances. It carries a certain gravity that pairs better with tailored outfits than with casual streetwear or athleisure clothing.
Is there a specific gender lean for this scent?+
While marketed as a fragrance for women, its prominent woody and aromatic notes like vetiver and oakmoss give it a unisex quality by modern standards. Anyone who appreciates vintage, green-floral constructions will likely find it wearable regardless of gender labels.
Who would enjoy wearing Sleeping most?+
This is a fragrance for enthusiasts who appreciate the history of 1930s perfumery. It caters to those who prefer sophisticated, non-sweet compositions over modern fruity-florals. If you enjoy classic chypre elements, you will likely value the construction of this particular blend.
Can I layer this with other perfumes?+
Layering is tricky given its strong oakmoss character. If you must, try pairing it with a simple, high-quality vanilla or sandalwood oil to soften the sharp green edges of the opening. Be careful not to clash with other floral compositions that might compete with the jasmine heart.
Are there modern fragrances that feel similar to this?+
Finding direct modern equivalents is difficult due to its unique 1938 composition. It shares an earthy, mossy vibe with some vintage-style niche chypres. If you enjoy the depth of classic perfumes, look for contemporary releases that feature prominent vetiver and oakmoss, though none will perfectly replicate it.
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Dupes & Alternatives
COMMUNITY DUPESCOREConsider Chanel No 19 for a greener alternative or Guerlain Mitsouko for a deeper, more classic chypre experience that explores similar earthy, mossy territory.
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