Merit Launches Second Fragrance New Wave with Perfumers Dominique Ropion and Meabh McCurtin

New Wave l’extrait de parfum, Merit’s second fragrance, launches officially on October 22 after a 24-hour exclusive for Vogue Shopping readers. Master perfumer Dominique Ropion and perfumer Meabh McCurtin created the scent, which contains 30% fragrance oil and 21 unique notes, including pink pepper, angelica seed, frankincense, patchouli, cedarwood, benzoin, tobacco accord, and vanilla bean. The perfumers describe it as built around a reinterpretation of Ambre 83, an amber structure, with added brightness from pink pepper, angelica, a honeyed-golden floral accord, and ylang-ylang—a combination they call “Neo Gold.” Merit CMO Aila Morin says Retrospect, launched in 2024, exceeded expectations and remains a significant part of the business; she characterizes the two scents as “cousins, not sisters.” Inspiration came from a mood board of golden hues that Morin sent, conveying optimism, sensuality, and self-assurance. Over two years, Ropion mentored McCurtin, whose chemistry expertise contributed to the partnership. Morin notes that signature scents are returning after years of expanding collections, and she sees New Wave appealing both to Retrospect users seeking a more sensual option and to new customers.