D.S. & Durga introduces its Gothic Holiday collection, exploring winter rituals, celestial imagery and esoteric symbolism through fragrance and design. The seasonal release brings together new scented candles, a trio of gourmand perfumes and a limited-edition presentation of the brand’s popular Debaser fragrance. Drawing inspiration from the longest nights of the year, the collection approaches familiar holiday traditions through the brand’s distinctive creative perspective.
FRAGRANCES
Co-founder Kavi Moltz developed the collection’s visual direction in collaboration with Welsh artist Jonathan Humphreys. Their work incorporates hand-drawn illustrations and graphic elements that extend from the packaging into animation. David Moltz contributes poetry to the project, connecting the visual material with the fragrances and their individual stories. The campaign develops through a series of chapters that explore the mysterious atmosphere of the winter season.
The Amber Antiquity Candle introduces a warm, spicy fragrance inspired by desert environments and ancient aromatic materials. Desert juniper and holy woods establish the opening, followed by Balm of Gilead and saffron at the center. Amber and labdanum complete the composition, creating a rich scent that recalls the aromatic shrubs and resins of biblical landscapes.
The second candle, Winter Solstice Pine, takes inspiration from northern forests during the coldest months. Its fragrance evokes snow-covered pine trees and the atmosphere of a winter night. Snow-on-pine provides the opening, while fir balsam and dark woods develop the scent’s green, woody character. Amber introduces warmth to the composition.
The collection continues with the Gothic Gourmands Set, which contains three 10ml fragrances for. Inspired by festive desserts and elaborate dining traditions, the set explores sweetness through three different compositions. Pistachio takes its direction from an elaborate dessert, while Black Magenta interprets the atmosphere of a colorful city at night. Cognac Reign introduces antique cognac as the central inspiration, developing a richer gourmand character.
The set also draws on imagery of rare pink pineapples, pistachio treats and elaborate Gothic dining tables. These references connect the fragrances with the collection’s wider interest in seasonal indulgence, unusual ingredients and ceremonial gatherings.
D.S. & Durga also revisits Debaser with a limited-edition holiday sleeve. The fragrance draws inspiration from Black Francis, the sound of college radio and the atmosphere of August heat. Its opening combines bergamot, green leaf and pear stem, followed by fig, coconut milk and iris. Blond woods, tonka beans and moss form the base, maintaining the fruity, creamy and woody profile of the original perfume.
The D.S. & Durga Gothic Holiday collection launches October 20, 2026, with Amber Antiquity, Winter Solstice Pine, Gothic Gourmands and Limited Edition Debaser forming the seasonal lineup.
