Renato Lopena Jr.
A Filipino perfumer trained at the Grasse Institute of Perfumery, Renato Lopena Jr. has worked with Whiff and created fragrances such as Ysven’s Long Island.
Philippines
About Renato Lopena Jr.
Renato Lopena Jr. is a Filipino perfumer trained at the Grasse Institute of Perfumery in southern France. His practice has included collaborations with Filipino brands and artisans.
Career
Following his studies in the 2015 GIP class, he worked with artisan fragrance brand Whiff on a limited edition for actor and fashion figure Heart Evangelista. Further Whiff creations followed, alongside collaborations drawing on other makers’ memories. In a 2020 interview, he also described preparing a fragrance for that year’s Corpo 35 competition.
Creative Style & Philosophy
An enthusiasm for fragrance led him to seek a deeper understanding of perfume creation at GIP. He recalls gaining confidence in his ability to create scents and finding opportunities for further projects. His advice to students emphasizes enjoying the experience while maintaining an interest in its practical work and repeated smelling.
Signature Works
- *Long Island* (Ysven, 2025) — Inspired by the Long Island Iced Tea cocktail, citrus and davana lead into iced tea, Fuji apple and orange flower. Oakmoss, mate, amber and musk add a more settled character to the finish.
- *Solar Amber* (Ysven, 2025) — A Mango Pineapple Margarita inspires a composition of tropical fruit and a solar accord. Cedarwood, vetiver, patchouli and white musk form the base.
