D.S. & Durga’s New Silver Lake Boutique!

Cult fragrance brand D.S. & Durga has opened a second Los Angeles location in the eclectic Silver Lake neighborhood, adding to its growing presence on the West Coast. The store, which opened in December 2024, was designed by Woods Bagot and draws significant inspiration from California’s architectural and cultural heritage, particularly the work of the late modernist architect Ray Kappe.

The Silver Lake boutique reflects D.S. & Durga’s unique approach to combining art and fragrance. Co-founder Kavi Moltz, a former architect, envisioned the store as an immersive space that speaks to both his design background and the brand’s fragrance offerings. The design features warm-toned wood, reminiscent of Kappe’s Pacific Palisades home, which is celebrated for its dreamy California aesthetic. The use of hand-poured concrete, with tonal, striped layers, also contributes to the distinctive atmosphere, creating a layered, sensory experience that mirrors the intricacies of the brand’s perfumes.

The boutique's layout includes a ‘lab wall,’ a reference to the Brooklyn-based studio where D.S. & Durga’s scents are created. The wall features black lacquered surfaces, clear acrylic spiked panels, and programmable colored lights that complement the scents on display. These elements create a dynamic space that evolves with each perfume and its individual aroma.

Kavi Moltz and her husband, David, who co-founded D.S. & Durga in 2008, have always aimed to create a brand that is as much about the experience as it is about the product. Their first Los Angeles boutique, opened in Venice earlier in 2023, paid homage to architect John Lautner. The Silver Lake location, however, draws from Kavi's personal architectural influences and the couple's deep connection to California. Their best-selling candle, ‘Big Sur After Rain,’ inspired a new perfume, ‘Big Sur Eucalyptus,’ capturing a place that has long been a source of inspiration for the Moltz family.

Inside the Silver Lake store, customers can explore the brand’s signature scents, from the fresh, aquatic notes of ‘Italian Citrus’ to the deeper, spicier warmth of fragrances like ‘Durga,’ a scent Kavi wears almost exclusively. For the Moltzes, scent layering is an integral part of the brand’s philosophy. Best-seller ‘I Don’t Know What,’ a fragrance enhancer, allows customers to mix and match, creating a personalized scent experience that reflects their individual preferences and moods.

The Silver Lake boutique marks another milestone for D.S. & Durga, as it continues to grow its West Coast footprint while remaining committed to combining art, fragrance, and architecture. With the combination of olfactory exploration and visual design, the new store offers visitors a journey into the heart of California!