The Rose Renaissance: Why This Classic Floral is Blooming Again
July 14 | 5 minute read
Words by Izzy Wight & Christie Sinclair
Originally published on July 15
But in 2026, modern perfumers are giving the timeless bloom a makeover. Spiked with pink pepper, blended with leathery notes and sprayed with salty, coastal air, today’s rose is anything but old-fashioned. Below, find MECCA’s favourite twists on the classic.
Tangles of roses clinging to the porch of a Californian bungalow, poppies swaying in the breeze, trees heavy with ripe apricots and creamy avocados, the effervescence of the salty ocean air – if you ask D.S. & Durga founders, these are the smells that make summer on the West Coast of the USA so enchanting. Rather than a dewy country garden, it cruises top down on Highway 1, sun shining, fruit trees and floral on the breeze. It's so LA it should come with an Erewhon.
This was once described to us as ‘a rose wrapped in resin’, which was such a perfect description we have co-opted it. Sugary, spicy and slightly smoky, it’s grown up, but so far from stuffy. Inspired by the brand founder Troye Sivan’s sister, Sage, it’s the ultimate cool-girl scent. Perfectly balanced with notes of musk, patchouli and a delicate, slightly jammy damask rose, it’s everything you didn’t know you wanted in a floral fragrance.
There’s a reason this (and every one of) Frédéric Malle’s scents are so addictive – Malle gives his perfumers complete freedom to create without any restraints. Resulting, in this case, in one of the world’s most famous perfumes (even Madonna has named it as one of her favourites). With earthy patchouli, creamy sandalwood and syrupy berries alongside heart notes of rose, this fragrance will attract attention, not because it's overbearing, but because there's nothing else quite like it. You've been warned!
What does laughter, joy and the freedom of youth smell like? According to co-founder and perfumer Marie-Lise Jonak, it's ORMAIE's 18-12. Creamy rose, juicy cherry and almond evoke irresistible nostalgia, with soft woods bringing the familiar warmth of fond memories. This fragrance has the kind of finish that's rich and deep rather than sugary-sweet.
Most rose fragrances have a reputation for being powdery and romantic – not this! Even though Maison Margiela’s intention was to bottle the beauty of an English rose garden, the rose notes take on a whole new personality when mixed with pink pepper, soil accord (yes, you read that correctly!), moss and musk. Instead of feathery and classic, it feels bright and energising, almost like taking that first breath of air on a crisp, dewy morning just after sunrise.
