There are plenty of reasons why D.S. & DURGA intrigues me. For one, I can’t deny the sheer beauty of their minimalist, yet striking perfume bottle designs. But beyond aesthetics, the duo behind the brand makes for an interesting backstory. David Moltz (D.S.) is a musician, and his wife Kavi (DURGA) is an architect. A bit unconventional, right? 😆
David Moltz (D.S.) and Kavi (DURGA).
David, originally a songwriter, taught himself the art of perfumery, crafting each fragrance by hand with no outsourcing. As for Kavi, she takes charge of all things design-related, including the creative structure of the fragrances themselves. They started from scratch, packaging their perfumes with personal touches straight from their Brooklyn apartment in the U.S. It’s a labor of love - and pure artistry.
Here’s a rundown of my experience with three D.S. & DURGA fragrances I sampled from Kaylin Lux Parfumerie, their official distributor in Vietnam.
Bowmakers – A Walk in the Woods
Bowmakers opens with a crisp note of pine, as if gently leading you into the heart of a forest. After about 10 minutes, the scent evolves into something richer and more intense - a deep woodiness, slightly damp, with a hint of resin, like walking through a forest after the rain.
An hour later, the scent shifts again, softening into a warm, comforting wood aroma. Some people describe it as reminiscent of the inside of a violin or a freshly opened piano. For me, it feels like stepping into a woodworker's shop, where each stroke of the plane releases shavings and a subtle, nostalgic scent. This is the fragrance’s essence on my skin, and it lingers beautifully for a good few hours 🤓.
As it dries down, the leather note emerges - soft, aged leather. According to the brand, this leather symbolizes the craftsman's apron. The combination of leather and wood is always a winner. My only critique is the moderate longevity; it lasts about 4-5 hours. With Hanoi's recent cool weather, Bowmakers adds a welcome layer of warmth.
Italian Citrus – A Basket of Fresh Fruit
First impressions are key, and Italian Citrus certainly surprised me. After three sprays around my neck, I thought something was off - the scent seemed muted, like it was being held back. I even questioned if my nose was playing tricks on me… 🥲 But wait a couple of minutes, and then BAM! A burst of citrus - orange, lemon, lime - like you’ve just been dunked into a basket full of fruit.
The middle phase remains citrus-forward but mellower. It reminded me of Terre D’Hermes in its intensity, but Italian Citrus takes it deeper, offering a more nuanced experience. The final layer presents a soft sweetness of mandarin peel, with a subtle hint of musk to round it out. For any citrus lover, this fragrance is a dream come true.
Italian Citrus is a crowd-pleaser and a safe bet from D.S. & DURGA. Its “Italian” element is cleverly marketed, and I was quite impressed with the longevity - it lasted from 8 AM to 8 PM, leaving a faint trace behind when I adjusted my collar.
Radio Bombay – Sandalwood and Creamy Coconut
Imagine an old transistor radio warming up, the copper wires buzzing, and a distinct sandalwood scent filling the air. That’s the poetic description D.S. & DURGA offers for Radio Bombay, and while it sounds like a bit of marketing fluff, I have to admit, my nose agrees 🙄.
The metallic note is faint, but detectable - a quick hit of cold copper in the first few seconds. Then comes the coconut. And let me tell you, this is the most authentic coconut scent I’ve ever encountered in a perfume. It’s creamy, rich, and utterly intoxicating. The heart of the fragrance is pure, unadulterated sandalwood, and though the final phase surprised me with a hint of peach, the sandalwood remains the star of the show.
Many recommend using Radio Bombay in the summer, but with its strong woody presence, I think it's better suited for colder months. On my skin, it lasts about six hours, playing a little game of hide and seek 😂. Just when I think it’s faded, the sandalwood pops back up for one last tease.
D.S. & DURGA is officially available in Vietnam through Kaylin Lux Parfumerie, for those looking to dive into their unique world of fragrances.
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