Notorious Oud

Exploring D.S. & Durga Notorious Oud

Notorious Oud rewards patience. Released in 2019, this EDP from D.S. & Durga does not announce itself immediately — it unfolds. The Oud, Woody, Warm Spicy, Animalic structure is layered, nuanced, and deliberately uncommercial. For those who have moved past designer signatures and are searching for something more considered, Notorious Oud is a destination worth the journey.

Brooklyn hipster meets high-stakes perfumery—a cinematic, Western-leaning take on pungent Indonesian oud.

The Scent: Notes, Structure & Dry-Down

Notorious Oud opens with Saffron, Camphor and Galbanum — an assertive first impression that carries across a room. Once that burns off, usually inside the first half hour, the heart turns to Bulgarian Rose, Lavender and Civet. What lingers on skin and clothing hours later is the base: Indonesian Oud, Papyrus and Cetalox.

Strip it back to the bones and the profile reads Oud, Woody, Warm Spicy, Animalic — the kind of profile that rewards a second and third wearing.

Longevity & Projection: Notorious Oud on the Clock

Longevity (9/10): Notorious Oud delivers exceptional longevity for EDP. On most skin types expect 12+ hours. A single morning application typically carries through well into the evening without reinforcement.

Sillage (8/10): Notorious Oud projects as a confident aura, detectable by those nearby. One or two sprays is all that is needed — over-application will overpower rather than impress.

Versatility (6/10): Notorious Oud is context-aware, performing well across a range of situations without feeling mismatched. It thrives in its intended context but may feel mismatched further outside that sweet spot.

Value (7/10): Pricing at around $260 feels appropriate for what you get — neither a bargain nor an overreach.

Climate Performance: Where Notorious Oud Works Best

Of the five climate zones we score, Notorious Oud does best in cold (Murree, New York) at 9/10 — it keeps its shape there instead of turning sharp or fading fast. The number to watch is extreme heat (Riyadh, Phoenix) at 3/10, where you are better off reaching for something else.

A powerhouse performer that cuts through damp, freezing UK winter winds with surgical precision.

The composition explains it: Lavender is a volatile material that flashes off quickly once the temperature rises, taking much of the character along.

Its average across all five zones is 6.2/10 — broad enough to wear most of the year without second-guessing the weather.

To see how it ranks against every other fragrance for your conditions, run the Climate Matcher.

When to Wear Notorious Oud

Notorious Oud is best suited to Night Out, Formal, Winter. The projection ensures presence without deliberate effort — ideal for outdoor gatherings and social occasions where you want to register.

Seasonally, Notorious Oud performs best in Fall, Winter. The climate data supports this range, though performance at the extremes — deep cold or intense heat — may vary.

Versus Byredo Oud Immortel

What Notorious Oud Costs — and Whether It Is Worth It

Internationally, Notorious Oud sits at $260–$350. That places it firmly in luxury territory — a considered purchase competing with the top tier of niche and designer-exclusive releases.

Regional pricing: PKR 65,000–85,000 in Pakistan, AED 900–1,200 in the UAE. The currency switcher at the top of this page converts every price on the site — EUR, GBP, SAR and more — using current rates.

Where to buy: Internationally: D.S. & Durga, Net-a-Porter, Liberty London. GCC/UAE: Saks Dubai, Harvey Nichols. Pakistan: Specialty Niche Stores.

Verdict

Notorious Oud earns its premium through genuine distinction rather than marketing mythology — a fragrance that rewards the wearer rather than impressing bystanders.

An overall 7.2/10 puts Notorious Oud in solid-but-situational territory: strong where it is strong, ordinary elsewhere. Match it to the right season and occasion and it pays off.

Camphor and civet combination can prove challenging and medicinal to unaccustomed noses.

Still deciding? Put it head-to-head against anything else in the database — scores, notes and prices side by side.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Notorious Oud last?

Notorious Oud has a longevity score of 9/10. On average skin, expect 12+ hours. Performance can vary with skin type, application method, and ambient temperature — heat accelerates diffusion while dry skin absorbs fragrance faster.

Is Notorious Oud worth the price?

At around $260, Notorious Oud by D.S. & Durga is fairly priced for what it delivers. Its performance scores, climate range, and composition quality make it a strong value proposition.

What does Notorious Oud smell like?

Notorious Oud is characterised by Oud, Woody, Warm Spicy, Animalic accords. Opening with Saffron and Camphor, the heart revolves around Bulgarian Rose and Lavender, settling into a base of Indonesian Oud and Papyrus.

Is Notorious Oud good for hot or humid weather?

Notorious Oud was not designed for extreme heat (score: 4/10). In genuinely hot climates, reserve it for cooled indoor environments or evening wear.

Is Notorious Oud for men or women?

Notorious Oud is marketed as a Unisex fragrance. In practice, its character is better defined by its composition than by any marketing category.