The fragrance industry is perpetually searching for its next indie wünderkind—an independent perfume label that marries just the right level of creativity with wearability for a commercial blockbuster. But in a world where the independent, artisan category and international success often feel at odds,—where is the line between getting big and selling out?—managing the leap from indie underdog to household name while maintaining an integrity of vision is no small feat.D.S. & Durga is of that rare breed: a brand that has managed to gain extensive success without sacrificing the very essence that made it so unique: olfactory storytelling, or as the brand refers to it, “armchair travel.” Yes, there was a packaging redesign from a more apothecary-led aesthetic to something more sleek, chic, and minimal, as well as an investment from Monogram Capital Partners in December 2018, but at the heart of it all, D.S. & Durga stayed D.S. & Durga.What began in a Bedford-Stuyvesant apartment in 2007 has since blossomed into an international presence at cult retailers across various countries, resulting in $10-$12 million in sales. In between, there was the launch of an upscale sub-brand inspired by ancient Northern European cultures, Hylnds; a “New York. Tougher than Ever.” candle in collaboration with Phillip Lim and Ruba Abu-Nimah’s #NYTougherThanEver fundraising initiative; an NFT fragrance with crypto artist Fvckrender; infusing The Crown Affair’s signature hair oil product with their best-selling fragrance enhancer I Don’t Know What; and limited-edition Studio Juice drops so popular, they sold out in mere hours.