About D.S. & DURGA
D.S. & Durga, a niche fragrance house founded in Brooklyn in 2008, has become renowned for its imaginative and highly personal approach to perfumery. The brand was created by David Seth Moltz (D.S.), a musician, and his wife, Kavi Ahuja Moltz (Durga), an architect, blending their artistic backgrounds to craft fragrances that tell stories through scent. What began as a creative side project quickly evolved into a celebrated brand in the world of artisanal perfumes, known for its focus on narrative-driven scents and meticulously crafted compositions.
The founders' initial inspiration came from their shared love for history, music, and nature, as well as their desire to evoke emotions and experiences through fragrance. David Moltz, self-taught in the art of perfumery, took an unconventional approach to scent creation, often drawing from diverse sources like folk music, mythology, and Americana. Each fragrance crafted by D.S. & Durga is designed to capture a specific time, place, or mood, often inspired by landscapes, historical figures, or cultural moments. The name "Durga" reflects Kavi's Indian heritage and symbolizes the power of creativity and protection.
What sets D.S. & Durga apart from traditional fragrance brands is its narrative approach. Each scent is crafted with a detailed backstory, making the experience of wearing the fragrance akin to immersing oneself in a novel or a piece of music. For instance, one of the brand’s popular fragrances, "Cowboy Grass," evokes the rugged, open landscapes of the American West, while "Radio Bombay" is inspired by the warm, crackling sound of a transistor radio in Mumbai. These conceptual, sensory stories have captured the imagination of perfume enthusiasts who appreciate the brand's unique storytelling and creative compositions.
Over the years, D.S. & Durga has expanded beyond its Brooklyn origins to gain international recognition. Despite its growth, the brand has remained committed to its artisanal roots, with each fragrance meticulously crafted in small batches to ensure quality and attention to detail. The brand's commitment to artistry extends to its packaging, with clean, minimalist designs that reflect the modern yet deeply personal nature of the scents.
D.S. & Durga’s success lies in its ability to connect with consumers on an emotional and sensory level, offering more than just a fragrance but an entire experience. Today, the brand is celebrated for its bold creativity, unorthodox inspirations, and the founders’ commitment to pushing the boundaries of what fragrance can represent. D.S. & Durga continues to evolve, blending art, music, and history into the world of perfumery, making it one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary fragrance design.
