D.S. & Durga Radio Bombay Eau De Parfum
D.S. & Durga launched Radio Bombay in 2016 as part of their exploration into evocative, story-driven fragrances. This Brooklyn-based niche house specializes in creating scents that transport wearers to specific places and moments. Radio Bombay captures the essence of vintage Bollywood—the golden age of Indian cinema with its romance, drama, and atmospheric glamour.
The fragrance is officially unisex despite being tagged for women in some listings. D.S. & Durga deliberately designs many of their perfumes to transcend traditional gender boundaries, focusing instead on artistry and olfactory storytelling. Radio Bombay's sweet and warm character works equally well on any skin.
The Niche Difference
D.S. & Durga operates outside mainstream fragrance conventions. As an independent American perfume house, they prioritize creative vision over mass appeal. Radio Bombay exemplifies this approach—it's conceptual, atmospheric, and unapologetically unique. You won't find this scent profile replicated in department stores.
The name references old Bombay radio broadcasts, evoking nostalgia for a specific cultural moment. This storytelling element is central to the D.S. & Durga philosophy. Each fragrance in their collection aims to create an emotional or sensory memory rather than simply smelling pleasant.
Fragrance Profile
Character: Sweet and Warm
Radio Bombay emphasizes warmth and sweetness, likely achieved through combinations of spices, resins, woods, and possibly gourmand elements. The warmth suggests oriental influences, fitting the Bombay theme, while sweetness adds approachability to what could otherwise be an austere composition.
Specific note breakdowns aren't widely disclosed, which is common with niche houses that prefer wearers experience the fragrance holistically rather than deconstructing individual ingredients.
Eau De Parfum Performance
-
Concentration: EDP strength ensures substantial longevity and projection
-
Longevity: 8-10+ hours typical for D.S. & Durga's Eau De Parfum formulations
-
Projection: Moderate to strong sillage that announces presence without aggression
-
Evolution: Niche fragrances often develop complex dry-downs as hours pass
Wearing Radio Bombay
The 3.4 oz bottle represents the standard size for D.S. & Durga fragrances. Apply sparingly—niche perfumes are typically more concentrated and complex than mass-market options. One to two sprays on pulse points should suffice initially. You can always add more, but niche fragrances often reveal their depth gradually.
The sweet and warm profile suggests this works particularly well in cooler weather, though the unisex nature means individual body chemistry plays a significant role in how it performs.
The Ideal Wearer
Radio Bombay suits fragrance enthusiasts who've moved beyond designer scents into niche territory. It appeals to wearers who appreciate conceptual perfumery and don't mind standing out. The Bombay inspiration makes it particularly interesting for those drawn to Eastern influences reinterpreted through American indie perfumery. If you value artistic expression in fragrance, collect niche perfumes, or want something genuinely unique, D.S. & Durga delivers uncompromising creativity.
