D.S. & Durga emerged in 2007 from a shared passion for art and a desire to create fragrances that tell stories. The husband-and-wife duo David Seth Moltz and Kavi Ahuja Moltz founded the brand in Brooklyn, New York, initially crafting handmade scented gifts for friends. David, a self-taught perfumer, develops all fragrances while Kavi, a trained architect, shapes the design and brand identity.

The name "Durga" was David's pet name for Kavi, inspired by the Hindu goddess and a character from Satyajit Ray's Apu Trilogy. This cultural diversity reflects throughout their brand philosophy. The founders believe in fragrance's power to conjure unseen worlds and evoke emotions and memories through scent.

From humble Brooklyn beginnings, D.S. & Durga evolved into an internationally recognized niche brand. Barneys New York first sold their fragrances in 2015, followed by Bergdorf Goodman and Liberty. In 2024, London-based Manzanita Capital, which also owns Diptyque and Malin+Goetz, acquired a majority stake. Despite growth, the brand stays true to its roots: every fragrance is still created and hand-filled in New York City.

Their inspiration draws from music, literature, history, and geography. From American folk music to ancient mythology, from New England landscapes to Mumbai streets - each fragrance tells a unique story and invites an olfactory journey. This narrative-driven approach sets D.S. & Durga apart in the crowded fragrance market, making each scent an artistic statement rather than just a pleasant smell.

D.S. & Durga has built its reputation with fragrances that transcend ordinary perfumery. Radio Bombay captures a hot day in Mumbai with metallic copper and warm sandalwood, while Burning Barbershop tells the story of a barbershop that burned down in 1891. These narrative approaches transform each fragrance into olfactory artwork.

Debaser, inspired by the Pixies song, combines green fig notes with creamy coconut milk and blonde woods. Mississippi Medicine draws from proto-Mississippian death cult rituals, blending birch tar, frankincense, and cypress root into a mystical composition. Cowboy Grass transports wearers to American West sagebrush plains.

The brand experiments with unusual concepts like I Don't Know What, a fragrance enhancer that gives other perfumes a certain "je ne sais quoi." Pistachio interprets the nut in an earthy, non-sweet way, while Jazmin Yucatan captures the humid atmosphere of Mexican jungles.

Notable collaborations include working with Project CETI on whale communication research fragrance, creating a four-piece collection with Duran Duran, and partnering with brands like Volvo and Nike. The brand won a 2017 FiFi Award for Best Luxury Fragrance (Men's) and the 2025 Fragrance Foundation Award for Innovative Fragrance Product of the Year with their Murder Mystery Set.

D.S. & Durga positions itself in the luxury niche market with fragrances priced around $169 for 50ml bottles. The brand targets discerning customers who appreciate artistry and storytelling in fragrance. Their audience seeks unique, individual scents beyond mainstream offerings and values the craftsmanship of small-batch production.

Fragrances are available through multiple channels: their own boutiques in New York (Nolita, Williamsburg) and California (Venice Beach), high-end department stores globally, and select online retailers. International customers can discover these fragrances through specialized perfume boutiques and platforms like Parfinity, where samples can be tested before committing to full-size purchases.

The brand emphasizes sustainability and ethical practices. They use recyclable materials for packaging and source ingredients responsibly. All products are cruelty-free and vegan. The combination of natural and ethically sourced synthetic ingredients follows IFRA safety and environmental standards.

Quality control through small-batch production ensures freshness and consistency. Each fragrance is created and hand-filled in their New York atelier. This attention to detail justifies the premium pricing and makes D.S. & Durga an investment in olfactory art.

For fragrance enthusiasts who value originality and craftsmanship, the brand offers an unparalleled scent experience. The ability to sample before purchasing makes these artistic creations accessible to curious newcomers while satisfying seasoned collectors seeking something truly different in their fragrance wardrobes.