Scent Disruptors: Inside the World of New York’s Premier Trendsetting Brand
Originating from the vibrant and sensory-rich landscape of New York, D.S. & Durga quickly ascended to international acclaim, embodying the cosmopolitanism and artistic vitality of the city.
Founded by artist and perfumer David Seth Moltz and architect Kavi Ahuja Moltz, the brand now pioneers the UK fragrance scene with unique storytelling and trendsetting scents. Join us as David shares insights into the brand’s visionary artistry and success!
What does the power of scent mean to you?
A perfume has the same potential as any art form to tell a deeply detailed & immersive narrative.
What has your experience and career been like in the fragrance industry? Where did your journey begin?
We started from scratch & learnt as we went.
I am a self-taught perfumer. I love world building. Kavi & I wanted to share our stories and design-sense with others.
Within D.S. & Durga there is a clear emphasis on using scent to create stories, why is the connection between fragrance and stories important for you to bring to life?
It's less of a connection and just a bonafide fact to me that a perfume is an aromatic story. We just try to explain why we made each one - in the story of the box, the playlist on Spotify the image from the photographer, the film from the director, etc.
As a self-taught perfumer, what is one of the most important things you have learnt in your journey in the industry?
Having a unique viewpoint can be difficult sometimes but it is ultimately an advantage.
What is your process like in creating a fragrance?
I have an idea and make a formula for it.
If it isn't working, I mod it until it is.
It’s important to recognise the impact of ingredients, how do you ensure D.S. & Durga explores this important industry piece?
We work with dsm-firmenich who is a leader in sustainable practices. It is very easy to trace each material through them.
What inspires D.S. & Durga?
Each fragrance has a different inspiration. They often come from music, literature, history, & myth.
How has the brand evolved over the years to fit within the current fragrance market?
We just make what we love and believe "if you build it, they will come."
What innovations are exciting you about the fragrance industry?
Our vision is to show how aromatic materials can be tools for world-building just as colours in paint, ingredients in dishes and so on. New materials are always exciting to work with as well. I am excited about our layering set launching later in the year. I'd like to give customers more freedom to play with and make their own versions of things.
What can we look forward to from D.S. & Durga in the future?
My TV Show Perfume Quest!
More immersive worlds and always pushing what a perfume can be.