Heritage
A house, in its own words
Three established names in independent perfumery decided to collaborate in 2016, forming what industry press quickly dubbed a fragrance supergroup. Geza Schoen had built a reputation through Escentric Molecules and numerous artistic collaborations. Mark Buxton, known for Comme des Garçons fragrances and his own independent work, brought an architectural sensibility to scent construction. Bertrand Duchaufour, whose portfolio spans L'Artisan Parfumeur and Penhaligon's, approached materials with a sculptor's eye for space and texture. Rather than co-composing a single fragrance, each perfumer created their own standalone work under the collective banner. The brand launched with three distinct releases, each carrying the individual perfumer's signature while existing within the shared Renegades framework. This structure set the project apart from typical brand collaborations, positioning it as a platform for creative autonomy rather than a unified house aesthetic. WWD reported on the initiative as a new unorthodox fragrance brand, while fragrance enthusiasts called the three creators olfactory cowboys disrupting industry conventions.
Renegades operates as a collective where each perfumer maintains full creative autonomy. Unlike houses where perfumers work within established brand guidelines, these three artists brought their independent practices into dialogue without homogenizing their approaches. The result is three fragrances that reflect completely individual sensibilities rather than a committee-approved direction. This model rejects the industry standard where commercial considerations often shape creative decisions. Instead, Renegades prioritizes the perfumer's vision, allowing each work to pursue its own artistic logic. The collaborative structure functions more like a record label releasing distinct artists than a traditional fragrance house. This approach appeals to consumers seeking authenticity over marketing narratives. The perfumers share a common ethos: they create what they find artistically compelling rather than what market research suggests will sell. This independence defines the project's identity and distinguishes it from both mainstream houses and typical indie labels.