Far Out West: Desert Desperados, Spring 2023

Far Out West: Desert Desperados Collection, Spring 2023

Desert Desperados

It’s full of color. It’s full of characters. It’s full of colorful characters.

The Spring 2023 collection is a vibrant arrangement of happy hues and boasts a unique element in that it is a full-on creative collaboration with amazing artist Dolan Geiman. His incomparable collage masterpieces have captivated us for years, the opportunity to incorporate his artwork into Double D Ranch designs was a truly invigorating experience (one that may or may not have inspired us to approach other artists for future collaborations, but that’s a cat for letting out of the bag another day).

Undeniably, the defining characteristic of this Spring 2023 collection is color. It is a continuation of “feel good” fashion and dopamine dressing; green is going to have a strong presence, poisoned with pops of pink, orange, and more of that luscious lavender, of course punctuated with bold black to keep it sharp and chic. You’ll be introduced to characters like Senorita Dakoda and Protector Owl, with cameos from hummingbirds and jackrabbits and cool collaged cactus scenes.

It’s a strong southwestern vibe with a bit of whimsy, all stirred up with design details that are definitively Double D and artistic elements that are undeniably Dolan Geiman. It’s a mashup masterpiece of mutually respected aesthetic input, and well, the joy that went into this collaboration is evident in the outcome.

Senorita’s Tee, Dakota Bandana, Oscar Betz for Double D Ranch, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt, Double D Ranch Accessory

Handy with the Steel Jacket, Les Gauchos Hat, Oscar Betz for Double D Ranch, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt

Sticky Situation Jacket, Lillie West Boot, Brecken Geiman for Double D Ranch, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt

Senorita’s Jacket, Double D Ranch Accessory

Señorita Dakoda

It was the señorita that started it all.

Cheryl’s brain (and office, and apartment, and upstairs of the Mothership, and computer, and phone…) essentially keeps a card catalog of everything she’s ever seen that inspired her – pieces she’s found, places she’s been, people she’s met. And just as much as she has an eye for imagery, she has a taste for talent; you’ve seen it in the amazing artists and artisans she’s introduced to the DDR audience over the years. This señorita is the creation of contemporary collage artist Dolan Geiman, and Cheryl’s admiration of this image evolved into a creative collaboration on the whole collection.

“I’ve had this señorita on my radar for a while now, wanting to work her into design,” Cheryl said. “Originally, I reached out just hoping he would allow me to license the image, but when he expressed interest in collaborating, I was over the moon. He customized this señorita for us, incorporating our tagline ‘Play nice, be free’, a pair of Oscar Betz in her ears, and a few other Double D details.”

And why did we dub her Dakoda? Well, it’s a name that means “friend”, and unlike the state, it’s spelled with a – wait for it – double D.

Luna Boot

Senorita’s Jacket, Retrieved for Bounty Halter, Luna Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Senorita’s Poncho, Oscar Betz for Double D Ranch, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Double D Ranch Jewelry

Senorita’s Poncho, Oscar Betz for Double D Ranch, Double D Ranch Jewelry

“There was a girl named Dakoda, with a Double D, A name that’s said to mean ‘friend’, which she always tried to be.”

- Dakoda in the Desert by Halley Sanford

Santiago Jacket, Oscar Betz for Double D Ranch, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Double D Ranch Accessory

Santiago Jacket, Precarious Prickles Poncho Top, Oscar Betz for Double D Ranch, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Double D Ranch Accessory

Senorita’s Tee, Dakota Scarf, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Morales Blouse, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Morales Top, Lillie West Boot, Oscar Betz for Double D Ranch

Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt

Excess Turned Agate

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure, and where someone might simply see excess, someone else may envision enamel agate.

Fordite, also known as Motor City Agate, is essentially an automotive paint by-product. Yep, as gorgeous as it is, its origins are that unsexy. As the colorful acrylic enamels were applied to vehicles in the factory, the drip-off (known as slag) would accumulate and harden, with each different color forming a liquid layer. When the slag was sliced vertically, it was discovered that the paint layers swirled together beautifully into a marvelous man-made agate. As word spread about this unintended awesomeness, it became popular to polish pieces of it and fashion it into jewelry. Fordite was fairly abundant until the late 1970s when the electrostatic process for painting automobiles was introduced, which resulted in little or no excess, causing it to appreciate over time because its existence is finite. Imagine being the visionary who first salvaged Fordite from the factory floor.

Our foray into Fordite was a fortuitous one. As it turns out, the Geiman family is rife with creative talent and our collaboration expanded to include Dolan’s sister, Brecken, an artisan who fashioned Fordite into these remarkable pieces of one-of-a-kind jewelry, created custom to complement this collection.

Precarious Prickles Dress, Brecken Geiman for Double D Ranch, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Precarious Prickles Dress, Down Mexico Way Boot, Brecken Geiman for Double D Ranch, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Precarious Prickles Poncho Top, Oscar Betz for Double D Ranch, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Precarious Prickles Top, Oscar Betz for Double D Ranch, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Art Through the Eyes of Dolan Geiman

As easily identifiable as an Oscar Betz, once you’ve seen the work of this Denver-based artist, you can spot it at a glance. Formally educated in printmaking and sculpture at James Madison University, Dolan’s inclination toward art is something he comes by honestly.

“My mother, Lisa Geiman, is an artist and instilled in me the passion to create,” Dolan said. “I’ve always been filled with ideas – I’m never bored!”

The Virginia native is a self-proclaimed outdoorsman, an influence you’ll find pervasive in his creations from paper collage to faux taxidermy.

“I’m known for my large-scale collage and mixed media pieces that incorporate found materials and vintage papers,” he explained. “I like to get my hands dirty and along with these materials I also will toss in some techniques like painting, screen-printing and even sewing. Each collage is inspired by a love for folktales, nostalgia, and exploring the vast and very Wild West.”

We brought some of these colorful characters and charming animal interpretations to life in graphics, prints, and applique throughout the Desert Desperado

collection as part of what ended up being one of the most seamless and satisfying creative collaborations we’ve ever done.

“I truly feel this collection is unique because of the powerful creative energy involved,” Dolan agreed. “It’s a kickass collaboration and I know when people see these pieces, they are going to feel that vibe as well!”

In addition to his creative contributions to the designs of Desert Desperados, limited edition commemorative prints of Señorita Dakoda will be available, each individually numbered and signed by the artist.

Dolan is currently living and creating in Colorado with his wife and business partner, Ali Marie, and their beloved cat, Racine.

Stay tuned for upcoming Double Dose articles featuring more on the artist, his inspirations, and the creative collaboration as a whole.

Dolan Geiman. Photo by Paul Winner

Cactus Country Top, Hernandez Short, Oscar Betz for Double D Ranch, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Cactus Country Top, Hernandez Short, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt

Telling Stories

Our family, we were road trip warriors. As children ourselves and then as we had children of our own, we clocked countless hours on the interstate en route to one adventure or another, and that meant a lot of off-the-cuff entertaining. Sure, there was “slug bug” and the license plate game, but for the most part, spinning tires meant spinning tales, particularly one that was a twangy Texas twist on the Wizard of Oz.

Our Dorothy was Dakoda, a restless wanderer with a penchant for exploring, who one day found herself disoriented in the desert, and as day turned to dusk, she relied on her newfound friends and their quirks-turnedperks to help her home.

Our boys could probably still tell it, and who knows, you might even see it in print someday.

Desert Vixen Jacket, Saloon Bustier, Hernandez Shorts, Lillie West Boots, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt

Desert Vixen Jacket, Saloon Bustier, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Zacetecas Dress, Rio Rancho Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Zacetecas Dress, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Rattlesnake Ravine Top, Hernandez Short, Dakota Scarf, Les Gauchos Hat, Rio Rancho Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry

“Colors are the friends of their neighbors and the lovers of their opposites.”

- Marc Chagall

Count Your Stars Tee, Coyote Way Top, Senorita’s Poncho, Hernandez Short, Les Gauchos Hat, Down Mexico Way Boot, Luna Boot,Long Tall Sally Boot, Oscar Betz for Double D Ranch, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Double D Ranch Accessory

Coyote Way Top, Les Gauchos Hat, Oscar Betz for Double D Ranch, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Hernandez Dress, Hernandez Short, Les Gauchos Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt

Brecken Geiman for Double D Ranch

Santiago Tee, Double D Ranch Accessory

“Everything you wear says something about you. If it tells a story, even better.”

- Cheryl McMullen

Wild West Jacket, Double D Ranch

Cast of Characters Jacket, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Double D Ranch Belt

Brecken Geiman for Double D Ranch, Double D Ranch Accessory

Bronc Buster Boot

Desert Vixen Jacket, Renegade Skirt, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Artesia Jumpsuit, Brecken Geiman for Double D Ranch, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Double

Ranch

Desperado Play Nice Jacket, Hernandez Short, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt

Senorita’s Rode Shirt, Hernandez Short Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt

The Magic of Malachite

You don’t need us to tell you how gorgeous this green gemstone is – the shades and striations speak for themselves – but that’s just the beginning of why you might want to add this stunning stone to your collection. Malachite is considered a power stone, aligned to both the heart and the throat chakra, so it’s said to aid in loving unconditionally and accepting love into your life, as well as giving you the strength and confidence to speak your mind. Fancy that!

Dakota Scarf, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Abbey Eyelet Dress, Les Gauchos Hat, Down Mexico Way Boot, Brecken Geiman for Double D Ranch, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt

Oscar Betz for Double D Ranch, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Santiago Tee, Oscar Betz for Double D Ranch, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Serape into the Sunset

Serape is like a floral bouquet, there’s a fundamental formula to it but each iteration is its own unique masterpiece.

Serape is one of those things that’s woven (pun intended) into the fabric of Double D Ranch as a brand; it has always been a key element of our aesthetic. The challenge therein is how do we keep it fresh, alluring and interesting, season after season. Well, to oversimplify the art of it, the key is color and composition; not only the combination of hues, but the way in which they’re arranged in relation to one another, which bands are wide and bold and which are narrow and complementary.

In this collection, we wanted the serape to channel a desert sunset, with warm yellows and dusty oranges, but also bringing in the pickle juice greens and pops of purple to represent prickly pear cacti that pepper the landscape. We worked it into shorts and sundresses to round out the Southwestern summer vibe.

Desperado Serape Maxi Dress, Oscar Betz for Double D Ranch, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Double D Ranch Accessory

Desperado Serape Maxi Dress, Rio Rancho Boot, Oscar Betz for Double D Ranch, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Double D Ranch Accessory

Desperado Serape Top, Hernandez Jacket, Hernandez Short, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Desperado Serape Wrap Dress, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Cha Cha Cha Jacket, Desperado Serape Pant, Maddie Mule, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Far Out West Hoodie, Desperado Serape Short, Oscar Betz for Double D Ranch, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Brecken Geiman for Double D Ranch

Get Your Greens

We’re not talking spinach and brussels (though we encourage you to get those, too!), we’re talking kelly and hunter and forest.

Color is king right now and green is changing the game. A further evolution of dopamine dressing, it’s a new wave beyond the endorphin-inducing brights; green is a grounding color, representative of growth, of renewal, of lush life. Incorporating such a rich hue brings a complexity to the color palette that feels elevated and elegant, a maturity that signifies strength and means moving forward.

Santa Fe Top, Walker Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt, Double D Ranch Accessory

Santa Fe Top, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt, Double D Ranch Accessory

Santa Fe Top, Walker Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Renegade Jacket, Les Gauchos Hat, Oscar Betz for Double D Ranch, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Renegade Skirt, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt

Hernandez Dress, Oscar Betz for Double D Ranch, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt 103

Pickle Juice

Fun fact: The McMullens are partial to all things pickled – olives, okra, good old-fashioned pickles – so we have a natural hankerin’ for this hue. Greens are showing up strong this season, and layering shades from all over the spectrum creates a very fresh, very springy feel.

Buckhorn Cholla Jacket, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Oscar Betz for Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Jewelry

Buckhorn Cholla Jacket, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Artesia Top, Hernandez Short, Double

Stair Stepped Mesa Tunic, Rio Rancho Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Protector Owl

Perhaps the coolest part about a creative collaboration is that each individual brings something unique to the table, something that’s innately important to them and inherent to their artistic style. For Dolan Geiman, one of those elements is the imagery of the exalted owl.

“The owl, for my family and me, has always been a special animal laden with healing and protective properties. Her wings are spread wide to guard and protect you from harm, while offering up her wisdom and strength. To me she is the perfect creature; she’s crepuscular, she moves on the edge of darkness and in doing so, invokes so many dreamlike qualities.”

Beautiful and majestic, Dolan’s iteration of the owl found a powerful presence in the Desert Desperados collection.

The Protector Top, Oscar Betz for Double D Ranch, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Abby Eyelet Jacket, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt

“I’ve always been filled with ideas, I’m never bored! Each collage is inspired by a love for folktales, nostalgia, and exploring the vast and very wild West.”

- Dolan Geiman

Santa Fe Top, Sante Fe Skirt, Les Gauchos Hat, Maddie Mule, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Senorita’s Rodeo Dress, Walker Hat, Rio Rancho Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Death Valley Jacket, Les Gauchos Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Jackalope Jerry Jacket, Brecken Geiman for Double D Ranch, Double D Ranch Jewelry

#DistortedDyes

Not quite traditional tie dye and not quite color blocking, the distorted dye trend is the kind of thing that keeps fashion fun.

It’s a fun paradox, because it’s a new wave of playing with color that feels a bit retro, a bit nostalgic for those of us who were stylin’ in the ‘70s, and yet simultaneously fresh and current. It feels youthful, but sophisticated. It’s vibrant, but softened. And yes, you guessed it, it’s part of dopamine dressing – it just has happy vibes!

Sunset Serape Hoodie, Hernandez Short, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Sunset Serape Hoodie, Brecken Geiman for Double D Ranch, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Hernandez Dress, Bronc Buster Boot, Oscar Betz for Double D Ranch, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Double D Ranch Accessory

Sunset Serape Tee, Oscar Betz for Double D Ranch, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Double D Ranch Accessory

Hernandez Jacket, Hernandez Short, Rio Rancho Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Santa Fe Dress, Desert Desperado Boot, Brecken Geiman for Double D Ranch, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Santa Fe Dress, Brecken Geiman for Double D Ranch, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Nectar Robber Top, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Zacetecas Dress, Les Gauchos Hat, Camilia Cactus Boot, Oscar Betz for Double D Ranch, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Count Your Stars Jacket, Les Gauchos Hat, Brecken Geiman for Double D Ranch, Double D Ranch Jewelry

“I’m not sure where I’m headed, but you’re welcome to come along, Just because we’re different, doesn’t mean we’re wrong. And maybe, I think, That it’s even our strength, And it’s better to stand out than belong.”

Far Out West Tunic, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Double D Ranch Accessory

– Dakoda in the Desert by Halley Sanford

Far Out West Tunic, Wagon Wheel Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Sonora Vest, Oscar Betz for Double D Ranch, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Double D Ranch Belt

Shot