Kavi Moltz
# David Seth Moltz: Self-Taught Visionary Behind D.S. & Durga
## From Music to Fragrance: A Creative Journey
David Seth Moltz represents a rare breed in modern perfumery - a completely self-taught nose who transformed from musician to master perfumer. Born in 1980 in Swampscott, Massachusetts, Moltz's early scent memories of the New England coast, winter air, and Salt Spray roses continue to influence his work today. His unconventional path began at Boston University, where he studied film and history before leaving to tour with his band.
The pivotal moment came when Moltz met his future wife and business partner, Kavi Ahuja Moltz, on a Brooklyn street corner. While David experimented with archaic scent recipes, it was Kavi's architectural vision that sparked the idea for D.S. & Durga in 2007. Their Brooklyn apartment became the birthplace of a brand that would revolutionize niche perfumery through storytelling and world-building.
Moltz's musical background profoundly shapes his approach to fragrance creation. He views perfumery as another form of composition, often creating playlists for each fragrance and treating scent as a medium for conjuring entire worlds. This artistic philosophy sets D.S. & Durga apart from traditional perfume houses, with Moltz describing their work as "armchair travel" through scent.
## Signature Creations and Olfactory Innovation
Moltz's self-taught methodology has produced some of the most distinctive fragrances in contemporary perfumery. [Burning Barbershop](/perfume/d-s-durga-burning-barbershop) exemplifies his narrative-driven approach, telling the story of a 1891 fire through smoky lavender and burnt oil accords. The fragrance opens with fresh spearmint and lime before revealing its haunting smoky heart, creating a complex barbershop experience unlike any other.
[Cowboy Grass](/perfume/d-s-durga-cowboy-grass) showcases Moltz's ability to capture landscapes through scent. This woody-aromatic composition transports wearers to American sagebrush plains through wild thyme, vetiver, and dry grass notes. The fragrance demonstrates his preference for unconventional ingredients and his talent for creating immersive olfactory experiences.
Moltz's creative process involves maintaining running lists of ideas and inspirations drawn from literature, history, myth, and everyday observations. His willingness to experiment with wild concepts has earned D.S. & Durga critical acclaim and a devoted following. The brand's recent acquisition by Manzanita Capital reflects their significant impact on the niche fragrance market, with Moltz expressing his vision to build something that endures for a century.