D.S. & Durga: Scents That Evoke Memories
by Mayra Morales Palomino
Photos: D.S. & Durga
For David and Kavi, perfumes are more than just fragrances—they’re time machines. They transport you to a specific place or moment, recreating vivid memories with every whiff. This belief inspired them to create their own perfume brand, D.S. & Durga. Let’s take a closer look at this extraordinary vision.
Nature’s aromas have always had the power to transport us to unique and special moments. Recognizing this, musician David Seth Moltz and architect Kavi Ahuja turned the concept into an art form, founding D.S. & Durga in Brooklyn, New York. Together, they crafted a brand that fuses their talents: Kavi designs the sleek, minimalist packaging, while David creates emotionally evocative scents. Each fragrance tells a story, weaving together notes like fig, leather, and peach to create immersive olfactory experiences.
David’s journey into perfumery is entirely self-taught, but his method is deeply intentional. He starts with the story he wants to tell, then selects the ingredients that can best bring it to life. Here’s a glimpse at some of their most iconic fragrances:
Big Sur After Rain: Inspired by California’s rugged coast after a storm, this scent layers wet woods, Pacific dew, and eucalyptus globulus as top notes. The heart features rosemary, cardamom, and magnolia, while the base is grounded in cypress, dry leaves, and eucalyptus cones.
I Don’t Know What: A truly unique offering, this "invisible enhancer" amplifies other scents or stands alone with its sheer, minimalist vibe. It highlights bergamot as the top note, while ambrox super, civet, and sandalwood form the base. The heart is a blend of vetiver acetate and Iso E Super, creating a clean addictive finish.
Debaser: A tribute to indie rock nostalgia, this fragrance captures the carefree vibe of summer with a rich combination of fig, coconut milk, and iris at its core. The top notes include green leaf, pear stem, and bergamot, while the base features moss, blond woods, and tonka bean.
With D.S. & Durga, David and Kavi showcase the transformative power of scent. Each perfume recreates dreamy scenarios and cherished memories, proving that fragrances can transcend the senses and connect deeply with our emotions.
Ready to take a trip down memory lane? D.S. & Durga invites you to explore their world, one bottle at a time.
