D.S. & DURGA Venice, California Boutique exterior photo Hernando
Southern California, is known for its weather and beaches. Venice, one of the more celebrated beaches is known for its canals, promenade, Muscle Beach, boardwalk, street performers, trendy art scene, and shopping. Many movies and television shows have been filled in Venice, such as Baywatch and Barbie. How did Venice get its name? Venice was developed by a man named Abbot Kinney. After taking a walking tour of Venice, Italy, Kinney was determined to bring that level of grandeur to the States in the form of a resort destination. He chose southern California because of its beauty and ideal climate. Abbot Kinney was an entrepreneur and visionary who was crucial in developing Venice as a unique coastal resort town. In the late 19th century, Abbot Kinney purchased a vast stretch of marshy land in the area now known as Venice. Abbot Kinney Boulevard has long been one of the Westside’s most iconic, eclectic, and eye-catching streets. It’s a mile-long road lined with shops, restaurants, and galleries, stretching from Washington Boulevard to Main Street. This bustling district stretches from Venice Boulevard to Pacific Avenue and is a popular destination for Boho chic shoppers. Dubbed “the coolest block in America” by GQ, Abbot Kinney is home to one-of-a-kind local goods as well as internationally recognized brands. Add D.S. & Durga Venice Boutique to that list.
Kavi and David Moltz at LA’s La Dolce Vita. Courtesy of D.S. & Durga
I’m always happy to visit Los Angeles, my hometown. On my recent trip, I stayed in Marina Del Rey which is a brief Uber ride away from Venice Beach. I made a point to visit the new D.S. and Durga Venice Boutique. Kavi and David Moltz’s Brooklyn-based fragrance brand D.S. & DURGA opened the West Coast Flagship Store on June 8, 2023. Located on Abbot Kinney in Venice Beach it was the third location in the United States (they have since added their fourth boutique on the Upper East Side of Manhattan). Kavi, who went to grad school at the Southern California Institute of Architecture collaborated once again with with Krista Ninivaggi of the firm Woods Bagot on the Venice store. The concept was to craft a space that contrasted the Brooklyn store but retained the brand’s identity by incorporating the concrete edges and materials of the New York store but weaving in warmer woods and sandier tones to evoke a Californian feel.
D.S. & Durga Pacific Mystic Candle
To commemorate the boutique’s opening, D.S. & Durga created an exclusive to the Los Angeles store, the Pacific Mythic Candle. Wanting to put an East Coast slant on Californian culture, it floats with notes of palm, avocado leaf, star jasmine, and magnolia. It’s what the brand calls “An East Coast kid’s vision of western waves, towering palms, and blooming bushes basking in vivid Venice sunshine.”
Jonathan Cummings Store Manager and Aamna Ahmed, PT Sales Associate
When setting up my trip to the Left Coast I reached out to Julie Zeltser, D.S. & Durga’s Retail Director who made the introduction to Jonathan Cummings, the Venice boutique Sales Lead. Arriving Thursday, August 22nd, I was welcomed by Jonathan and Aamna Ahmed, PT Sales Associate. On entering my focus was drawn to the design of the boutique. In contrast to the East Coast stores, the colors and textures are carefully curated to show off the store’s West Coast sensibility.
D.S. & Durga’s Venice Boutique Fragrance Table
The sharp edges of the brand’s East Coast boutiques have been tempered. Douglas Fir is presented in the accents and shelving, with walls that have a curvature that softens the minimal scheme, and sandy tones and darker earthy hues in the brown concrete floors reflect the locale while maintaining the Durga vibe. Front and center is the Fragrance Table which has over forty scents and candles that invite exploration into the brand’s cutting-edge world. One is free to delve into the fragrances undisturbed if one likes or you can engage the staff to assist in suggestions. My eye caught the recent sample set, The Sunshine Set of three fragrances (Rose Atlantic, Coriander, and Debasser) displayed at the top of the Fragrance Table. Now this is a great way to take home some of that Cali sunshine!
Wall display and Scent Quiz selector
Similar to the NoLita boutique, behind the counter are live samples from the New York working lab of David Moltz, the brand’s in-house perfumer. Opposite the counter, is the Scent Quiz selector. Just like the brand’s website version where customers can take the Sniff Quiz Test by answering five simple questions to help find their top 4 fumes. The Gallery at the back of the boutique serves to highlight special collections and collaborations. The walls are coated in a gleaming metal alloy that appears to change shapes as the programmable LED lighting system is tuned to different hues, allowing visitors to undergo a synesthetic experience. We certainly are not in Kansas!
Debaser Soft Services iconic Buffing Bar display
The D.S. & Durga Hand, Soap, and Body Care line is well presented here and it does suit the California ethos. Jonathan and Aamna made a point to highlight the display for the recent collaboration with Soft Services the body skin experts™ which marries their cult-fave Debaser fume with their iconic Buffing Bar. Smelling of the warm, airy essence of ripe fig, iris, coconut milk, Tonka, and dry blond woods is sure to be an in-demand feature. Voila, Debaser Buffing Bar Microcrystal Exfoliant!
D.S. & DURGA Venice Boutique Interior
Before departing, I had a few questions for Jonathan and Aamna. I was curious about the breakdown of the store’s demographics. They told me that as of now, it’s pretty close to 50 percent tourists and 50 percent locals, and the store skews slightly more female than male. I was curious if the buying is more personal or for gifting. It appears most are purchasing for themselves. How many are on staff here? That would be Jonathan Cummings – Sales Lead, Aamna Ahmed – PT Sales Associate, Leah Gomez – General Manager, and Daisy Velasquez – PT Sales Associate
D.S. & DURGA Venice Boutique: The Gallery
The D.S. & DURGA Venice Boutique has quickly become a favorite destination not only with fragrant aficionados but also with the local community. Everyone wants to smell great! While the shoppe has only been open a little over14 months some favorites have emerged.
D.S. & DURGA Venice Boutique Current Top-Sellers (as of August, 2024)
1 – Radio Bombay
3 – Debaser
4 – Coriander
5 – I Don’t Know What
Thank you to all at D.S. & Durga, Jonathan, and Aamna for your charm and hospitality. I’m already looking forward to my next visit to the D.S. & DURGA Venice Boutique.
~Hernando Courtright, Senior Events Contributor and Brand Ambassador
Check out WE LOVE THIS STORE: DS & Durga NYC.
Unless otherwise stated, all Photos by Hernando© of ÇaFleureBon and cannot be reproduced without our permission.
D.S. & DURGA Boutique
Address: 1356 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
Phone: (310) 310-3020
E-mail: Leah@dsanddurga.com
Website: https://www.dsanddurga.com/
Hours: Monday-Sunday 11-7 PM
D.S. & Durga Pistachio Eau De Parfum
Top Notes: pistachio, cardamom; Heart Notes: more pistachio, roasted almond; Base Notes: even more, pistachio, patchouli vanilla crème
Thanks to the generosity of co-owners David and Kavi we have a 50ML EDP of D.S. & Durga Pistachio Eau De Parfum for a registered US reader. To be eligible please leave a comment on what you enjoyed about Hernando’s visit to DS & Durga Venice, California Boutique. Do you have a favorite D.S. & Durga Perfume? Draw closes 9/19/2024
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