Perfumer Meabh McCurtin, originally from Co Clare, is training at the highly renowned IFF (International Flavors & Fragrances) and recently moved from their Paris base to the HQ in New York. Among others, she has created two perfumes for Galway perfume house Cloon Keen Atelier, La Bealtaine and Róisín Dubh, which won the Best Independent Fragrance at this year’s prestigious Fragrance Foundation Awards. Here, she talks style signifiers and how she looks the business ….
Failsafe work outfit A silk blouse with navy slacks and nude heel. The accessory A 1920s rose gold watch that belonged to my grandfather. The beauty item always in my bag Black liquid eyeliner. My scent I can’t wear scent during the day as it interferes with my work as a perfumer but in the evening I like to wear Portrait of a Lady by Frederic Malle. My diary Always paper. I love the texture of paper and the weight of a notebook in my hand. Often I’ll write my to-do lists on a paper smelling strip! Writing with I have a favourite Lamy fountain pen that I bought at a lovely bookshop in Paris and I treasure it because it reminds me of my time living there and learning perfumery with Dominique Ropion. [For a selection of Lamy pens, try The Pen Place, Dun Laoghaire Shopping Centre]. Gadget My nose. Perfect shoes Nude heels, simple and elegant. Favourite coffee spot Bird & Branch in Hell’s Kitchen NYC, it serves really nice macadamia milk lattes. Best advice I’ve been given The only person you should compare yourself to is the person you were yesterday.A tip for success Always stay true to yourself and your values.