ĐỤRIAN.

ĐỤRIAN was conceived by James Nguyen for d.grayi’s 2025 collection, drawing directly from the house’s love of daring, Southeast Asian-inspired gourmand experiments. The perfume’s name references the iconic “king of fruits” durian, a staple of tropical markets that evokes both love and revulsion. Nguyen wanted to capture the sensation of a fresh durian-avocado smoothie, pairing the fruit’s bold, custard-like aroma with the smooth richness of avocado, then tempering it with sweet, milky notes. The result is a playful, unapologetic tribute to a flavor that sits at the heart of Vietnamese street food culture.

The unusual pairing works because durian’s natural lactones echo the creamy texture of avocado, while the green zing of kaffir lime and tea keeps the opening lively. Nguyen employed a durian tincture to preserve the fruit’s authentic scent, a technique the brand has used before with other bold ingredients. The condensed milk accord adds a sugary, lactonic veil that smooths the transition to amber, ensuring the fragrance feels indulgent rather than overwhelming.

The first few seconds are a flash of kaffir lime’s sharp citrus, cut by tea’s subtle herbaceous whisper, a bright, almost metallic spark that clears the air. Within minutes the heart settles, as a buttery avocado cream spreads across the skin, inviting the durian tincture to burst forth. Durian arrives like a tropical thunderstorm, its custard-like, slightly gasoline-sharp aroma dominating the senses, yet softened by the underlying avocado smoothness. As the composition dries, amber emerges, warm and resinous, anchoring the chaos. Simultaneously, a condensed milk accord swirls in, adding a sweet, lactonic glow that mellows the lingering fruit. The drydown lingers for about four to six hours, the sillage staying moderate; the scent becomes a quiet, milky haze that clings to the wearer, leaving a subtle reminder of the exotic fruit without shouting.

Since its 2025 release, ĐỤRIAN has sparked lively debate among fragrance lovers, dividing opinions on the bold durian note. Wearers praise its fearless tropical character, while others note the opening can be polarising. The scent has become a reference point for how unconventional Asian fruits can be reimagined in niche perfumery, cementing d.grayi’s reputation for daring experimentation.