DS & Durga

D.S. & Durga – The Art of Scent, Music & Storytelling

D.S. & Durga is more than just a perfume brand – it is a visionary olfactory experience, where fragrance, music, art, and literature come together to create unforgettable narratives. Founded in 2007 in Brooklyn, New York, by husband-and-wife duo David Seth Moltz (D.S.) and Kavi Ahuja Moltz (Durga), the brand is among the few niche perfume houses where the perfumer and designer are directly involved in every creative step.

The Story Behind the Name
The name D.S. & Durga reflects the personal and cultural influences of its founders.

D.S. represents David Seth Moltz, a musician from Massachusetts with a deep love for botany and scent.
Durga is the nickname David gave to Kavi Ahuja Moltz, referencing her Indian heritage and the powerful Hindu goddess Durga.
David's fascination with plants, aromas, and old apothecary books led him to experiment with botanical extracts, turning them into soaps and colognes for friends. What began as a DIY project soon evolved into artistic perfume compositions, capturing scents of ocean breezes, smoky winter woods, kitchen lemon soap, and cinematic inspirations.

Kavi, an architect by training, shapes the visual and design identity of the brand. Growing up between New Jersey and India, her olfactory memory is infused with the rich scents of her homeland, from fragrant flowers woven into garlands to the spices of Indian kitchens.

The Philosophy of D.S. & Durga
D.S. & Durga believes that fragrance is as powerful as music, painting, and literature. Their DIY ethos and avant-garde approach transform beloved places, historical references, and forgotten stories into immersive scent compositions. Every perfume is a journey, evoking a distinct atmosphere.

Cowboy Grass – The vast American prairies
Rose Atlantic – A salty breeze on the Atlantic coast
Bowmakers – The scent of varnished violin bows and vintage wood
This innovative storytelling has propelled the brand from an indie Brooklyn startup to a globally recognized name in luxury niche perfumery.

Iconic Fragrances by D.S. & Durga
The brand has developed a collection of cult-favorite perfumes, known for their bold compositions and unique inspirations.

Debaser
Inspired by the Pixies’ indie rock energy
Notes: Fig Leaf, Coconut, Tonka Bean, Blonde Woods
Mood: Wild, rebellious, free

Radio Bombay
A tribute to Mumbai and vintage tube radios
Notes: Sandalwood, Cedarwood, Balsam Fir
Mood: Warm, nostalgic, exotic

I Don’t Know What
A transparent, versatile fragrance enhancer
Notes: Bergamot, Sandalwood, Iso E Super
Mood: Fresh, clean, minimalist

Bowmakers
Evoking the scent of handmade violins
Notes: Mahogany, Birch, Rosin, Leather
Mood: Woody, resinous, warm

Cowboy Grass
Capturing the spirit of the Wild West
Notes: Vetiver, Bergamot, Thyme, Leather
Mood: Earthy, dry, rugged

D.S. & Durga’s Global Presence & Expansion
First introduced at Barneys New York in 2015, the brand quickly gained recognition and is now sold in luxury department stores such as Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, and Liberty London.

In addition, D.S. & Durga has established flagship boutiques in:
Nolita & Williamsburg, New York
Venice Beach, California

Manzanita Capital Acquisition (2024) – A New Era for D.S. & Durga
In 2024, D.S. & Durga was acquired by Manzanita Capital, the London-based luxury investment firm that owns Diptyque and MALIN+GOETZ. This acquisition underscores the growing influence of the brand and solidifies its place as one of the most innovative perfume houses of today. Despite this expansion, the brand remains committed to artistic independence, blending fine craftsmanship with unconventional fragrance storytelling.

Conclusion: Authentic, Creative & Unforgettable Fragrances
D.S. & Durga is a brand for true individualists—people who seek unconventional scents, rich in depth, history, and artistic expression. With its handcrafted perfumes from Brooklyn, the brand challenges traditional perfumery standards, creating unique compositions that leave a lasting impact.

Authentic. Creative. Unmistakable. Discover D.S. & Durga now at scent amor – Your Destination for Exclusive Niche Perfumes.

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