There’s a certain allure to D.S. & DURGA that captivates me every time. Admittedly, the first hook was visual - their bottle designs are stunning, minimalist yet magnetic. But beyond appearances, the real intrigue lies in the brand’s roots: David (D.S.), a musician, and Kavi (DURGA), an architect. Sounds like an unexpected pairing, right? 😄
David Moltz (D.S.) and Kavi (DURGA).
David Moltz (D.S.) transitioned from writing songs to crafting scents, teaching himself everything about perfumery. Each fragrance is a labor of love, conceived and executed by David alone - no outsourcing here. Meanwhile, Kavi oversees design, ensuring that everything, from the bottles to the scent layers, exudes artistry. The duo operates out of their Brooklyn apartment, crafting fragrances that are as personal as they are evocative.
KaylinLux Parfumerie, the official distributor of D.S. & DURGA in Vietnam, sent me three fragrances to experience. Here's my take:
Bowmakers – A Walk Through the Woods
Bowmakers opens with a crisp pine note, a light and refreshing start. But within 10 minutes, the scent plunges deeper into rich, damp woods. There’s a resinous quality, conjuring images of strolling through a rain-kissed forest.
An hour in, the woodiness softens slightly. Some describe it as the smell of a violin's interior or a piano's lid lifting, but for me, it’s reminiscent of a woodshop - a craftsman at work, each plane stroke releasing a powdery, warm scent. This nostalgic wood dust vibe lingers beautifully on my skin for hours.
As it dries down, a soft, aged leather note emerges, perhaps the craftsman’s apron in the brand’s narrative. It’s a pairing that feels natural, leather melding seamlessly with wood. The only drawback? Its moderate sillage and longevity, lasting around 4–5 hours. Yet, in Hanoi’s recent cold snap, Bowmakers offers a cozy, earthy charm. 🌲
Italian Citrus – A Dive into a Citrus Basket
First impressions matter, and Italian Citrus left me puzzled at first. After three sprays, there was barely a whiff - muted, as if held back. For a moment, I thought something was wrong with my nose. 🥹 But two minutes later, bam! A citrus explosion, like being dropped unceremoniously into a basket of ripe, juicy fruits.
The scent evolves, deepening 20 minutes in. The citrus remains dominant but gains complexity, akin to Terre d’Hermès but smoother. By the dry-down, the zest mellows into the sweet tang of orange peel, underscored by a touch of musk. It’s fresh, light, and thoroughly satisfying for any citrus lover like me.
Despite its seemingly airy vibe, Italian Citrus surprised me with its stamina. I spritzed it at 8 a.m., and by evening, it was still lingering faintly on my collar. A crowd-pleaser with hidden depth. 🍊
Radio Bombay – Sandalwood with a Creamy Twist
An old transistor crackling to life, copper wires heating up, and sandalwood wafting through the air - Radio Bombay’s inspiration sounds poetic, almost exaggerated. But on first sniff? Surprisingly spot on. 🙃
The metallic edge of copper is fleeting, but it’s there, sharp and cold. Almost immediately, creamy coconut takes center stage - the most authentic coconut note I’ve encountered, rich and velvety, like fresh milk.
Then comes the sandalwood - pure, unadorned, and comforting. Unexpectedly, there’s a hint of peach in the dry-down, but the sandalwood remains the star, now more subtle and elusive.
While many recommend Radio Bombay for summer, I find its woodsy warmth perfect for winter. Its longevity is decent - around six hours - but it plays a teasing game, fading and reappearing like a shy performer. 🎶
D.S. & DURGA offers a sensory journey like no other. And now, thanks to KaylinLux Parfumerie, these niche fragrances are officially available in Vietnam. Whether you’re drawn to earthy woods, zesty citruses, or creamy sandalwood, there’s something here to fall in love with.
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