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Imagine a fragrance that doesn’t just scent your skin but whisks you away to a forgotten barbershop in 1890s New York, a sun-drenched citrus grove in Italy, or a misty forest trail in the American West. This is the alchemy of D.S. & Durga, a Brooklyn-based niche fragrance house that’s rewriting the rules of perfumery. Founded by the dynamic husband-and-wife duo David Seth Moltz (D.S.) and Kavi Ahuja Moltz (Durga), this indie brand has spent nearly two decades turning fleeting moments, half-remembered myths, and vibrant landscapes into wearable art. As a beauty blogger who’s sniffed my way through countless scents, I can tell you: D.S. & Durga doesn’t just make perfumes—they craft olfactory time machines.
In this deep dive, we’ll explore the soul of D.S. & Durga, their standout fragrances, the creative genius behind their storytelling, and why their scents are the ultimate accessory for anyone craving individuality. From their DIY Brooklyn roots to their cult status among fragrance aficionados, this brand is proof that perfume is more than a scent—it’s “armchair travel,” as they so eloquently put it. Let’s step into their world and discover why D.S. & Durga is the niche fragrance brand you need to know.
The Origin Story: From Bushwick Apartment to Global Sensation
D.S. & Durga began in 2007 in a tiny Bushwick apartment, born from a shared passion for music, literature, and the raw beauty of the world. David, a self-taught perfumer with a musician’s soul, and Kavi, an architect with a knack for visual storytelling, started tinkering with scents as a creative outlet. What began as a hobby—mixing essential oils inspired by old herbalist books and their love for Russian novels, folk songs, and Americana—turned into a pioneering force in the DIY Brooklyn scene. By 2008, a big order from Anthropologie gave them the push to quit their day jobs and dive headfirst into perfumery.
Unlike mainstream fragrance houses that rely on external perfumers, every D.S. & Durga scent is crafted by David himself, ensuring an authentic, unfiltered vision. Kavi, meanwhile, designs the packaging and weaves the narratives that make each bottle a portal to another place or time. Their mantra, “Perfume is armchair travel,” captures their ethos: each fragrance is a story, a world you can revisit with a single spritz. From the crackle of a vinyl record to the salty air of a coastal cliff, their scents are snapshots of real and imagined places, meticulously handcrafted in New York City.
Today, with over 118 fragrances in their repertoire, plus candles, body lotions, and car fresheners, D.S. & Durga has earned a devoted following. From Liberty London to niche boutiques like ZGO Perfumery, their products are celebrated for their originality and craftsmanship. But what makes them truly special is their ability to evoke emotion and memory, turning a daily ritual into a sensory adventure.
The Art of Olfactory Storytelling
What sets D.S. & Durga apart is their synesthetic approach to perfumery. David, who has synesthesia, “sees” scents as colors and textures, translating abstract inspirations into tangible fragrances. This unique perspective results in perfumes that feel like poetry—layered, evocative, and deeply personal. Each bottle comes with a story, often accompanied by playlists, images, or films on their website, inviting you to immerse yourself in the world they’ve created.
Take Debaser, inspired by the Pixies’ song of the same name. It’s a smoky, sweet blend of fig, bergamot, and tonka bean that captures the rebellious spirit of youth—like sneaking into a dive bar with a jukebox blaring. Users on Reddit rave about its 12-hour staying power and its uncanny resemblance to Diptyque’s Philosykos, but with a grittier edge. Or consider Cowboy Grass, a 2008 classic that conjures the American West with notes of sagebrush, thyme, and cracked leather. It’s as if you’re galloping through a prairie under a vast sky, equal parts rugged and romantic.
Then there’s Pistachio, a permanent fixture after its limited-edition run went viral on “perfumetok.” Imagine the creamy warmth of pistachio gelato sprinkled with cardamom, its nutty sweetness balanced by a subtle spice. Fans call it “addictive” and “like walking into a gelato shop.” These fragrances don’t just smell good—they tell stories that linger in your mind as much as on your skin.
Standout Fragrances: A Journey Through the Collection
With so many scents to choose from, where do you start? Here’s a curated guide to some of D.S. & Durga’s best offerings, based on their core lineup and fan favorites from reviews and community buzz.
1. Debaser: The Rebel’s Choice
- Notes: Fig, bergamot, green leaf, tonka bean, coconut milk
- Vibe: Smoky, sweet, and nostalgic—like a summer night at a rock concert.
- Why It Stands Out: Named after the Pixies’ anthem, Debaser is a fan favorite for its bold, unisex appeal and long-lasting sillage. Perfect for those who want a scent that’s both playful and provocative. One GQ writer called it “extremely titillating.”
- Pro Tip: Layer it with their I Don’t Know What fragrance enhancer for a custom twist that amplifies its smoky depth.
2. Pistachio: The Gourmand Gem
- Notes: Pistachio, cardamom, roasted almond, vanilla
- Vibe: Warm, nutty, and indulgent—like a scoop of artisanal gelato.
- Why It Stands Out: Originally a limited edition, its popularity made it a staple. It’s sweet without being cloying, with a spicy warmth that feels cozy yet sophisticated. Ideal for fall or winter.
- Pro Tip: Pair with their Pistachio candle for a full sensory experience at home.
3. Cowboy Grass: The Wild Heart
- Notes: Sagebrush, thyme, rosewood, cracked leather
- Vibe: Rugged yet refined, evoking wide-open plains and worn saddles.
- Why It Stands Out: A trailblazer in their lineup, it’s a versatile day-to-night scent that balances herbaceous freshness with leathery depth. It’s a go-to for those who love woody, earthy fragrances.
- Pro Tip: Spritz on pulse points for a scent that evolves throughout the day.
4. Radio Bombay: The Exotic Escape
- Notes: Sandalwood, cedar, balsam fir, coconut, peach
- Vibe: Warm, woody, and slightly sweet—like tuning a vintage radio in a bustling Indian market.
- Why It Stands Out: This scent captures the hypothetical aroma of radio waves, blending creamy sandalwood with a hint of tropical fruit. It’s a meditative yet vibrant fragrance for dreamers.
- Pro Tip: Try the pocket-sized version for on-the-go reapplication.
5. I Don’t Know What: The Wild Card
- Notes: Bergamot, iso e super, vetiver acetate
- Vibe: Clean, musky, and elusive—like your natural scent, but better.
- Why It Stands Out: This fragrance enhancer is a chameleon, worn alone for a subtle skin scent or layered to boost other perfumes. Fans compare it to Escentric Molecules’ Molecule 01 for its minimalist magic.
- Pro Tip: Mist it over Rose Atlantic for a fresh, oceanic twist.
6. Burning Barbershop: The Time Traveler
- Notes: Spearmint, lavender, burnt oil, lime, vanilla
- Vibe: A fiery fougère inspired by a 1891 barbershop blaze in Westlake, NY.
- Why It Stands Out: This bold scent recreates the aftermath of a fire, blending cooling mint with smoky, resinous notes. It’s niche perfumery at its most daring.
- Pro Tip: Perfect for evening wear when you want to make a statement.
Beyond Perfume: Candles and More
D.S. & Durga’s creativity extends beyond Eau de Parfum. Their luxury candles, like Pasta Water and Pacific Mythic, transform spaces into olfactory landscapes. Imagine lighting a Parquet Leather candle and being transported to a vintage study with polished wood and worn leather. Their auto fragrance sets, like Big Sur After Rain, bring their signature scents to your car, making every drive an adventure.
Their body products, such as I Don’t Know What body lotion and Big Sur After Rain hand soap, offer another way to layer their scents into your routine. All products are 100% vegan and packaged in recyclable materials, reflecting their commitment to sustainability.
Real Stories, Real Impact
The D.S. & Durga community is as vibrant as their scents. On Reddit, users rave about their discovery sets, though some note issues with sample atomizers not spraying properly—a minor hiccup for an otherwise stellar experience. One user described Steamed Rainbow as “love at first sniff,” likening its vegetal mist to a grocery store produce aisle. Another collector, with Pistachio and Grapefruit Generation in their lineup, praised their realistic accords and unisex appeal.
Beauty editors and fragrance enthusiasts echo this enthusiasm. Who What Wear’s editor called Pistachio “totally addictive,” while Allure Magazine crowned it the Best Gourmand Fragrance for its luscious, ice-cream-like quality. These stories highlight why D.S. & Durga resonates: their scents are conversation starters, evoking memories and sparking curiosity.
Why D.S. & Durga Stands Out
In a market saturated with generic fragrances, D.S. & Durga dares to be different. Here’s why they’re a cut above:
- Authenticity: David’s self-taught expertise and Kavi’s architectural vision ensure every product feels personal and intentional. No middlemen, just pure creativity.
- Narrative Depth: Each scent is a story, backed by playlists and visuals that deepen the experience. It’s like wearing a novel.
- Versatility: From gourmand to woody to floral, their range suits every mood and personality.
- Sustainability: Vegan formulas and eco-friendly packaging align with modern values.
- Exclusivity: Limited-edition Studio Juices, like Duzina Rozi, add a collectible allure. Only 25 bottles were made
Compared to brands like Diptyque or Le Labo, D.S. & Durga offers a grittier, more experimental edge. While Santal 33 feels ubiquitous, their scents like Jazmín Yucatan or Notorious Oud stand out for their uniqueness.
How to Dive In
Ready to explore? Start with their Greatest Hits Vol. 1 Discovery Set, featuring 1.5ml vials of Debaser, Cowboy Grass, Rose Atlantic, and more. It’s a low-risk way to find your signature scent. For a broader taste, the Big City Jams set includes Bistro Waters and Notorious Oud. Visit dsanddurga.com for sets, full bottles, or candles, and check retailers like Liberty or Luckyscent for samples.
Pro tip: Spritz on clean skin and let the scent evolve over hours. Share your experience on their community forums or social media to connect with fellow scent explorers. For gifting, their holiday candles with custom logos are a chic choice for clients or loved ones.
The Future of Fragrance
D.S. & Durga isn’t just riding the niche perfume wave—they’re shaping it. With searches for “niche perfumes” up 175% on Google, their storytelling and craftsmanship position them as leaders in this olfactory renaissance. Their Williamsburg store opening and new releases like Leatherize signal a brand that’s still innovating.
In a world where everyone smells the same, D.S. & Durga offers a chance to stand out. Their fragrances are more than scents—they’re invitations to travel, dream, and discover. Whether you’re drawn to the wild spirit of Cowboy Grass or the creamy allure of Pistachio, there’s a story waiting for you. Head to dsanddurga.com, spritz on a sample, and let your senses embark on a journey. Your next obsession is just a sniff away.
