#AllCoopedUp with D.S. & Durga's Kavi Ahuja Moltz When I fall in love, I fall hard. This applies to products as well as people, and it perfectly explains why I am completely obsessed with the brand D.S. DURGA. I love that they are a NYC based, husband and wife collaboration, that Kavi comes from an architecture background and that they both had almost zero experience in the fragrance industry before they launched. They are passionate about making evocative, moody scents which somehow feel familiar and mysterious at the same time. My favorite fragrance is Mississippi Medicine. Portable Fireplace is my go to candle. And, Big Sur After Rain hand sanitizer spray has made Covid chic (sort of). I’m not sure what I love most, the scents, their names, the graphic design of their packaging or the fact they are the most NOT ON THE NOSE perfumer around. Lucky for its many LA fans, D.S. & DURGA is popping up at +COOP for the month of December - come see (and smell) for yourself… Can't wait to hear which will be your favorite flavor. -Jenna
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Tell us about D.S. & Durga and what inspired you to start your company.
We are a NYC based perfumer/designer owned brand - something very rare in the perfume industry. We make rich aromatic narratives and develop a world around each fragrance (story, notes, liner notes, playlists, images, and films). We began the company in the recession in the aughts when everyone we knew in Brooklyn was making their own clothes, ties, shoes, etc. David was a musician & started tinkering with aromas. He soon realized he could tell rich stories in scent. I was an architect and was excited to make a product that I could execute from start to finish. How does your background in architecture and design influence your work? I'm an architect by trade, but I'm a self-taught designer (just as David is a self-taught perfumer). Our branding and packaging are inspired by modernism. Our box is a little building to house the perfume. Our stores are brutalist and austere, but we leave room for more whimsical moments of color and movement.
What is your favorite thing about your work?
Putting my head down and designing - getting lost in the artistic side of the products. Seeing something come to life with the help of the team.
What’s your philosophy around scent and the role it plays in the home?
David lights Tibetan incense in the home all the time. I personally love the light and throw of candles. Our '85 Diesel is my favorite. Lighting a transportive candle is just like turning on music - it helps create your own world around you.
Where do you find inspiration for your new products?
David comes up with the ideas of the fragrances, the names, and the words. I create the feel of the product through the packaging. David is inspired by too many things to name - all kinds of music, rare, archaic things, historical journeys, fantasy, etc. We both love NYC and have a passion for reading and music.
What is your favorite room in your house, and why? What’s your go-to scent for this space?
The kitchen. I love to cook and entertain. I love when we all congregate there & the aromas of cooking are flying around. I love when I’m cooking and my kids are making “cocktails” and helping out. The best chaos happens in the kitchen and the best smells too.
Where do you live in New York and what’s your favorite thing about your neighborhood?
Bed-stuy, Brooklyn. It's diverse & has a real sense of community. There are a lot of great small businesses and independent restaurants.
When you visit Los Angeles, what are your favorite places to visit/shop/eat?
I used to live downtown and went to grad school in LA. It's one of my favorite cities in the world. I can’t stand the NYC / LA competition, they are both amazing. My list is probably a little dated because I like the classics. I love Night + Market Song. Pho Cafe was the first place I found vegetarian pho and it was a staple during my architecture school years. I love hotels, particularly Chateau Marmont and The Sunset Tower. The bar Tiki-Ti. I love to shop at +COOP, obviously. So much has changed since I lived there, and it’s crazy to see how the Arts District has evolved. When I studied there it was pretty desolate!
Finally, what are your hopes for the D.S. & Durga pop-up at +COOP?
I hope to bring the DSD edge to LA!
