Step into the world of D.S. & Durga, where the art of scent meets architectural elegance. The brand’s latest venture in Silver Lake offers an unparalleled sensory experience, blending the allure of perfumery with the charm of California design.

Discover Your Perfect Scent and Embrace a World of Aroma

A Unique Personality Quiz Unveils Your Signature Fragrance

A personalized online quiz from D.S. & Durga helps customers discover their ideal fragrance. This interactive tool delves deep into preferences, asking questions that range from artistic movements to music genres. For instance, one might be asked to choose between Renaissance and Bauhaus or Marley and the Stones. The quiz results can be surprisingly accurate; mine identified me as "beach goth," resonating with my lifestyle choice of living in Echo Park despite being drawn to the sun and sand of Los Angeles.The co-founder, Kavi Moltz, shared her amusement at not fitting the "beach goth" profile herself, preferring tea over coffee. Her insights provide a glimpse into the personal touch behind each fragrance, reflecting the founders' personalities and inspirations.

The Birth of D.S. & Durga: A Fusion of Passion and Creativity

Founded by Kavi and David Moltz in 2008, D.S. & Durga has carved a niche for itself with its distinctive fragrances. From the Brooklyn-based studio emerged scents like "Pistachio," "Burning Barbershop," and "Cowboy Grass." Each creation tells a story, capturing moments and emotions. Retail expansion was always part of their vision, driven by Kavi's background in architecture and her desire to merge physical space with perfume.California became the natural second home for the brand, inspired by the state's diverse landscapes. The iconic candle "Big Sur After Rain," which pays homage to the couple's favorite holiday destination, now exists as a perfume called "Big Sur Eucalyptus." This transition showcases the brand's ability to evolve while staying true to its roots.

Silver Lake Store: An Architectural Masterpiece Inspired by Ray Kappe

The new Silver Lake store embodies the essence of Californian design. Designed by Woods Bagot, it features warm-toned wood reminiscent of Ray Kappe's Pacific Palisades house. This choice of material reflects Kavi's architectural studies in LA and her admiration for high-design aesthetics. Inside, hand-poured concrete treatments create striped layers, adding depth and character to the space.The store also includes a "lab wall" that mirrors David's Brooklyn perfume lab, black lacquered surfaces, programmable colored lights, and clear acrylic spiked panels. Artist Leah Tinari contributed her talents by hand-painting the glass front, infusing the store with a unique artistic flair. Every detail is carefully curated to enhance the customer experience, making each visit memorable.

Perfume as a Form of Expression: Tailoring Scents to Seasons and Moods

Perfume is more than just a fragrance; it's a form of self-expression. Some people adhere to a signature scent, while others experiment with different styles. Kavi and David Moltz have distinct approaches to wearing perfume. Kavi favors "Durga," the scent David created for her, while David changes his fragrance frequently, often choosing lighter scents in winter to brighten up the season.Understanding the impact of seasons on scent preferences, Kavi explains that people generally opt for heavier, warmer scents in winter and fresher, aquatic ones in spring and summer. However, David enjoys breaking these norms, using scents to evoke specific moods and atmospheres. This philosophy encourages customers to explore and find scents that resonate with their personal style and emotions.

Scent Layering: Crafting Personalized Fragrance Experiences

Scent layering is integral to D.S. & Durga's offerings. The best-selling perfume, "I Don't Know What," serves as a fragrance enhancer, blending seamlessly with other scents. It lacks a heart note, allowing it to pair effortlessly with any fragrance. To promote layering, the brand introduced the "Murder Mystery Set," featuring five mini perfumes that include "I Don't Know What" in their profiles.This approach invites customers to create unique combinations, tailoring scents to their preferences. The brand believes in the power of perfume to transport individuals to different places and evoke memories. Each store employee undergoes personal training by David to ensure they can guide customers in finding their perfect match amidst the array of bottles.

Perfume as Armchair Travel: Connecting People to Places Through Scent

D.S. & Durga's tagline, "Perfume is Armchair Travel," encapsulates the brand's mission. Each fragrance evokes a sense of place, whether it's a specific location, a piece of music, or a time of day. The Venice store's opening brought forth "Pacific Mythic," a candle inspired by East Coast kids' dreams of the Venice Boardwalk. Despite the differences between New York and LA, the top sellers in both cities share surprising similarities, highlighting the universal appeal of certain scents.In conclusion, the Silver Lake store stands as a testament to D.S. & Durga's commitment to creating immersive, sensory experiences. It invites visitors to explore the world of perfumery, discovering scents that resonate with their personal stories and emotions.