Somewhere between the dog days of cold New York winter weather and the makes-you-want-to-hide-in-your-house holiday crowds, I ventured over to Fifth Avenue for a meeting. Located in the famous Fred F. French Building, the Art Deco marvel—built in 1927—is famous for its architecture. It is also home to InterParfums’s offices, a company that has 20-plus brands in its fragrance portfolio, including Ferragamo, Oscar de la Renta, GUESS, MCM, DKNY and Donna Karan.
On this December afternoon, InterParfums CEO, Jean Madar, was in town to talk about 2025 trends. In addition to sharing consumer habits, new product launches and predictions, Madar offered an early look at MCM’s “cast of characters” Fragrance Collection. A testament to adventure and self-expression, the six very rich-looking fragrances felt luxurious and “substantial,” even in prototype form—a piece of gold-draped art you’d hold on to forever.
The MCM Collection Inspiration
“The MCM Collection is the result of an extensive creative journey. It blends MCM heritage of innovation with a fresh, playful spirit,” says Baerbel Bureick, Chief Marketing Officer at Interparfums, Inc. “From conceptualization to completion, this collection, inspired by the brand’s iconic leather animals, has been carefully crafted over several years. We have ensured each fragrance embodies the essence of MCM’s bold, adventurous DNA. With the team of world-renowned perfumers at DSM-Firmenich, we have curated each scent to offer a unique expression of individuality and self-discovery.”
Bureick points out that MCM has always been at the crossroads of fashion, culture and luxury. And this collection is a natural extension of that identity. “Today’s consumer seeks more than just a scent—they want a fragrance that tells a story. One that resonates on a personal level. With its vibrant characters, high-quality ingredients and unexpected scent profiles, the Collection invites consumers into a world of playful self-expression.”
Besides offering adventure, the bottles are as uniquely engaging as the fragrances—topped with MCM’s iconic animal figures and designed to spark joy and adventure in every spritz. The scents are equally unique, made from sustainably sourced ingredients with each of the six celebrating a distinct facet. “Beyond aesthetics, the scents are designed for versatility. Each tells its own story while offering endless possibilities for layering,” says Bureick.
My personal favorite: The Zen Elephant, best described as a “meditative retreat” of chypre-leather floral. It opens with the delicate bloom of freesia, invoking a sense of calm and clarity. As it evolves, the notes of magnolia are grounded by the earthy depth of oakmoss.
“Inspired by the pursuit of balance, I experimented with ingredients that complemented each other,” says Hamid Merati-Kashani, principal perfumer. “I strived for a harmonious blend of floral and woody elements.”
As of today, the first four fragrances Jolly Rabbit ($150), Mighty Bear ($150), Charming Pup ($150) and Darling Doxie ($150) are at MCM stores. The full collection of all six, including the Daring Dragon and Zen Elephant, is available through InterParfums’s global outlets.
