The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
D.S. & Durga, the Brooklyn house founded in 2007 by David Seth Moltz and Kaya Sorhaindo, has built its reputation on translating the untranslatable into scent: specific places, moments in time, fragments of music and memory. In 2018, Moltz turned his attention to Duran Duran, working directly with Simon Le Bon to capture the kinetic energy of Hungry Like the Wolf and the neon-soaked visual punch of the song's iconic video. The collaboration demanded a fragrance that could move like the track itself: forward, relentless, charged with atmosphere. Moltz built the composition around cade oil as the immediate, commanding presence, supported by leather, cedarwood, sandalwood, and patchouli. The result is a scent that carries the same restless energy as the song it honors.
Cade oil as the leading note is a deliberate, assertive choice. It provides the kinetic, immediate energy that matches the song's opening bars, while the leather that follows creates a bridge between that initial intensity and the deeper, more sustained warmth of the woods. Cedarwood, sandalwood, and patchouli complete the structure by providing the aromatic equivalent of the song's verses and chorus: a textured, evolving middle section where different elements take the lead without ever displacing the others. The combination of smoky-green cade with creamy sandalwood creates a productive tension, as does the pairing of dry cedar with earthy patchouli.
The evolution
The opening of Hungry Like the Wolf arrives without ceremony. Cade oil hits first, its green, slightly camphorated intensity immediately establishing the scent's wild character. There is no delay, no waiting for a citrus or herbal note to clear the stage. Leather follows within moments, adding warmth and a smoky, animalic richness that tethers the brightness of the cade. Cedarwood arrives next, its dry, coniferous quality cutting through the warmer leather and introducing a crisp, almost mineral sharpness. Sandalwood weaves in gradually, bringing a creamy, soft woodiness that tempers the drier elements and adds a layer of comfort to the composition. Patchouli anchors the progression, its earthy, slightly sweet depth providing a foundation that keeps the entire structure grounded rather than letting it drift. As the hours pass, the composition simply deepens rather than transforms.
Cultural impact
The limited‑edition release quickly became a cult favorite among Duran Duran fans, often cited on forums as the most daring of the four decade‑spanning scents, praised for its unapologetic leather core. Its release sparked fan‑made playlists and inspired limited‑edition merchandise, reinforcing the brand’s connection to music culture. Collectors cite the scent as a tactile reminder of the 80s new‑wave era, and its packaging, featuring a matte black cap and a subtle wolf silhouette, has become a visual icon in niche fragrance circles.


























