Meraki

Meraki by Fort & Manle is a fragrance for women and men. Meraki was launched in 2019. The nose behind this fragrance is Rasei Fort. The fragrance features Osmanthus, Apricot, Peach, Honey, Jasmine, Aldehydes, Bergamot, Musk, Patchouli, Ambergris, Coriander, Cedar, Sandalwood and Rose. "Meraki(v.) to do something with soul, creativity, or love; to put something of yourself into your work. Meraki is a dark homage to what is arguably one of the most legendary fragrances of all time, Nombre Noir. Nombre Noir, “The Black Number”, is a fragrance shrouded inspeculation and mystery. It was the tragic undoing of perfumer Jean Yves Leroy, who allegedly took his own life shortly after the perfumes demise.Under the direction of Serge Lutens and Yusui Kumai, they set out to make a“western fragrance”. However, every aspect of the fragrance, from the exorbitant costs of the composition to the intricate packaging was at a loss to Shiseido. In the end,the flacons were deemed defective, thus Shiseido destroyed all remaining stock for sale. I happen to possess the coveted bottle, still with the original packaging intact. I confess I don’t have the courage to open it and therefore haven’t put my nose on the elusive fragrance. When creating Meraki, I certainly wasn’t attempting to recreate the scent. However, based on the notes, I endeavoured to create avintage-inspired white floral heavily based around the delicate Osmanthus flower that is somewhat synonymous with the original. In any case, Meraki is intended as a tribute to what Nombre Noir represents. The passion and sacrifices made by perfumers and their unrelenting fervour to create fragrances that are individualistic and unique. Those who spare no expense to create a beautiful scent and arduously toil to refine and perfect their art. Nombre Noir’stimeon the market was short-lived. Hence, the decision to release this fragrance as alimited edition – inevitably making it as rare and unattainable as its counterpart, is befitting." - a note from the brand.