Marine Mercé
A French perfumer whose work draws on woodland memories and the emotional immediacy of performance.
About Marine Mercé
Marine Mercé is a French perfumer whose interest in fragrance began near Rambouillet, outside Paris. Childhood encounters with lily of the valley in the surrounding woods became an enduring scent memory. Her creative life also includes singing, acting and dance, giving her an interest in how an artistic gesture can move an audience.
Career
After studying chemistry, Mercé entered ISIPCA in 2012. She gained professional experience with fragrance companies in the Netherlands before joining the Firmenich perfumery school in 2019. Her training took her to London, New York and Paris, where her mentors included Martin Koh, Gabriela Chelariu, Marie Salamagne and Bruno Jovanovic. This route brought her into contact with different working environments and approaches to composition.
Creative Style & Philosophy
Mercé describes a fascination with wonder and emotional response. Performing magic with her mother forms part of that background, alongside her involvement in the performing arts. Fragrance offers another medium through which an unexpected detail can change someone's perception. Her Maison Matine work ranges from bright, coastal imagery to the atmosphere of a night out, rather than being confined to one collection theme.
Signature Works
- *Ukhu Pacha* — Maison Matine, 2025. A composition combining sea-spray imagery, coconut and flowers.
- *Shifumi* — Maison Matine, 2025. Created with Florian Gallo, with a citrus and aquatic opening.
