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D.S. & DURGA is collaborating with Project CETI, the ambitious nonprofit organization committed to translating the communication of sperm whales using artificial intelligence and state-of-the-art gentle robotics. If that's not one of the coolest things you've ever heard, you have led an extremely interesting life!
Together we are launching a 50ml perfume named for a ‘common ground’ phrase between whale and human speak: LET’S DIVE!
D.S. & Durga and CETI are pioneers in their respective fields, exploring the power of the senses. Whether that be capturing the sound of mysterious deep-ocean whale chants or artfully creating scents that smell like robbing a bank on horseback (it’s called Cowboy Grass)—they are inviting humankind to venture into unexplored realms.
But this isn’t the first intersection between sperm whales and perfumery. Ambergris, a wax-like substance secreted by sperm whales, once drove seekers of this “floating gold” substance across oceans to create luxurious, musky perfumes. We now synthesize a sustainable version while the whales continue to hunt giant squid through deep volcanic canyons in Dominica's sargassum-rich waters, where CETI conducts its whale listening and decoding.
“Our collaboration with D.S. & DURGA sparks a new conversation about our understanding of whales, akin to our goals at CETI. Like perfumery, our work demands time, care, and context. ‘LET’S DIVE’ represents a note in the melody of whale communications.” - David Gruber, Founder and President of Project CETI.
“Getting to work with a real scientist that is expanding our understanding of our world, is something new and special to me. David Gruber gets in submersibles, shines light on sharks in the dark, and regularly hangs out with Sperm whales. We wanted to capture the serene feeling and scent of diving with whales in Dominica (where his whale buddies frequent). It's oceanic and soft - ozonic and a meditation on one of perfume's true heroes: ambergris.” - David Seth Moltz, Perfumer & Co-founder of D.S. & DURGA.
“As an interspecies communications project, CETI is committed to bringing our mission to newaudiences through creative collaborations. D.S. & DURGA’s dedication to the art of perfumery and storytelling is a perfect fit for us as fragrance is a form of communication itself.” - Fiona Korwin-Pawlowski, Chief Strategy Officer, Project CETI.
“LET’S DIVE introduces a fresh narrative between perfume and the sperm whale, and for anyone who gets to wear the scent, it’s an excuse to talk about how one day we might be able to understand what the whales are saying.” - Ashley Zafaranlou, Director of Partnerships & Campaigns, Project CETI.
About LET’S DIVE:
Get your mates together for a dive among marine-rich waters, seaweed forests, and austere ambergris pieces. The first perfume named by whales!
Notes:
- Marine Water
- Seaweed Extract
- Big Whale Energy
- Wooly rock rose
- Choya Nakh Accord
- Synthesized Ambergris
Available at D.S. & DURGA stores & online launching World Ocean Day in June 2024
To learn more, please contact D.S. & Durga at madeleine@projectmmnyc.com or Project CETI at ceti@mcpstrategies.com.