Scents and Sensibility: Ian Darcy Brings Filipino Fragrance to Singapore

By Kenneth M. del Rosario

For many Filipino travelers, perfume isn’t just about smelling nice. It’s part of the daily armor. And now, one proudly Pinoy brand is proving that fragrance can be both personal and powerful—with an international debut to match. 

Ian Darcy, a homegrown Filipino perfume label known for its affordable yet premium scents, has officially opened its first overseas store at the Lucky Plaza in Singapore, becoming the first Filipino fragrance brand to do so. 

It’s a huge leap from where they started: weekend bazaars in Manila, selling perfumes in simple stickered bottles, packed in brown paper bags. Co-founders Ian Darcy and Allan Lainez built their business from scratch, driven by a simple philosophy—sophistication doesn’t have to come with a steep price tag.  

"We wanted to make perfume accessible. Luxury brands are great for special occasions, but Ian Darcy is something you can wear every day—even when you’re just buying groceries,” said Darcy. 

And travelers get it. A spritz of scent before heading out the door can be the finishing touch to an outfit, a confidence boost, or a sensory anchor when you’re far from home. Whether it’s citrusy, woody, musky or floral, fragrance can instantly elevate a day of sightseeing, or help you freshen up after hours in transit. 

Which is why the brand’s expansion to Singapore makes perfect sense. The new boutique is sleek and inviting—offering over 70 scents inspired by designer favorites. But more than that, it represents a bigger dream coming to life. 

“When we visited Singapore, we saw how huge the perfume market is here. People really appreciate scent. That’s when we knew it was the right place for our first international store,” said Darcy. 

The launch drew thousands of Filipinos, with many lining up to catch a glimpse of actor Ian Veneracion, who joined the opening festivities. But it wasn’t just the celebrity pull—it was a celebration of Filipino pride. 

“We didn’t expect this kind of response. The support from the Filipino community here is overwhelming,” Lainez said. 

Each Ian Darcy perfume starts with fragrance oils sourced from Grasse, France—the global perfume capital—while the rest of the process happens entirely in the Philippines, from formulation to bottling. That full-circle production model is part of what makes the brand special: world-class quality with strong local roots. 

They’ve come a long way from their first kiosk at UP Town Center in Quezon City. Today, the brand has 194 locations across the Philippines and employs nearly 700 people—all of whom receive full benefits, including healthcare and insurance. 

Their next move is launching an original signature scent that isn’t inspired by luxury brands, but one that’s uniquely Ian Darcy. A second production facility is also being built in Batangas to meet growing demand. 

For Darcy and Lainez, the journey has been humbling—and deeply rewarding. 

“We used to look up to foreign brands and think that kind of success was out of reach. Now, we’re here,” said Darcy. “We came from Manila bazaars, and now we’re in Singapore. It shows that Filipino brands can go global, too.” 

So next time you pack your carry-on, consider tucking in a scent that does more than smell good—it tells a story. Because sometimes, the best souvenirs aren’t the ones you buy at a gift shop. They’re the ones you wear every day.