COWGIRL CLOSETS: MARIA, Double D Ranch's 2021 Early Spring Collection by doubledranch

Cowgirl’s Closets: Maria, Early Spring 2021

Cover & this page: Bank Shorts, Plaza Teller CharroDuster, Jacket,Vest, Riataand Hat, Long Tall Sally Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt Vintage Double D Ranch Belt

Cowgirl’s Closets Your outfit is a form of self-expression. Imagine what your wardrobe says about you. Have you ever walked into someone else’s closet for the first time, someone perhaps you don’t know all that well, and felt like it was an eye-opening experience? Like you gleaned a deeper, new – maybe even unexpected – insight into that person, how they live, what they most appreciate? Maybe it’s shelves and shelves of shoes, hooks full of handbags, or hanger after hanger of biker jackets and ballgowns. Perhaps you’re in awe of the minimalism and almost compulsive curation; maybe you feel comically comfortable in the chaotic clutter. Regardless of what you behold behind those doors, a glimpse into someone’s closet is a glimpse into who they are. “As strange as it may sound, when you think about it, an invitation into someone’s closet is an intimate gesture,” said Cheryl McMullen, designer for Double D Ranch. “You can infer a lot about a person from that small portion of their home. In concepting this collection, I suppose I did that in reverse. I took what I knew and felt about a few women who intrigued me, for vastly different reasons, and imagined what might be in their (also vastly different) closets. Rather than reinventing them, I incorporated some elements from their wardrobes into more modern styles with a Double D spin.” The Spring 2021 collections, Cowgirl Closets, were inspired by women who made unique impressions in their own right, whether they were cowgirls or characters, real or fictional. The first collection drop, Maria, channels the leading ladies of the 2006 film, Bandidas. It balances sexy and sophisticated, feminine and fierce, and it introduces embellishments and accessories unlike any we’ve ever created, like a corset-inspired belt and soutache suspenders that celebrate the structured silhouettes of the setting. Time to get in touch with your sassy side. Left: Bank Teller Duster, Vest, and Shorts, Les Gauchos Hat Right: Poco Loco Jacket, Luciana Dress, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Bank Teller Vest, Bank Teller Shorts, Les Gauchos Hat, Long Tall Sally Boots, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Plaza Charro Jacket, Riata Hat, Bank Teller Vest andDouble Short, Les D Ranch Guachos Jewelry, Hat, Vintage Double Double D Ranch D Ranch Jewelry Belt

La Vida Bandida Strong. Sexy. Sophisticated. Simple colors, complex embellishments. The Maria collection is everything there is to love about Bandidas, all woven together. “Though we named this collection Maria, it was designed with two very different characters in mind – the resentful yet resourceful Maria Alvarez, and the polished yet petty Sara Sandoval,” Cheryl explained. “Wardrobe-wise they both had a lot to offer, as far as aesthetic elements I wanted to incorporate. Fortunately, much like their characters, their contrasts complement, which works beautifully from a design perspective.” Soutache embroidery was essential, of course. Florals, in every iteration – applique, embroidery, print. A little leather, a little lace. And perhaps the star of the season, the Bank Teller pieces — a cheeky-yet-chic nod to the buttoned-up bankers who fell victim to the bandidas’ preferred pastime: robbing banks. “These black-and-white pinstripe garments with scrolling soutache embroidery play with a masculine-meets-sexy power suit vibe,” Cheryl said. “We designed it in a pant, jacket, shorts, vest, and a duster for a mix-and-match, build your own threepiece combo.” What can we say? Maria blends beautiful with badass.

Dona Diego Jacket, Bandit Pant, Spanish Soutache Belt, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Segovia Boot

Dona Diego Jacket, Bandit Pant, Spanish Soutache Belt, Les Gauchos Hat, Segovia Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Bank Teller Jacket, Bank Teller Pant, Charro Rider Top, Segovia Boot Double D Ranch Jewelry

Bank Teller Jacket, Bank Teller Pant, Charro Rider Top, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Bank Teller Pant, Segovia Boot

Bank Teller Vest, Spanish Soutache Tee, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt

“Always count your bullets, señoritas.” — Tyler Jackson, Bandidas

Poco Loco Jacket, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Both Pages: Poco Loco Jacket, Luciana Dress, Chiapas Hat, Snake Charmer Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Plaza Charro Jacket, Riata Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt

Both Pages: Chiapas Top, Chiapas Skirt, Spanish Soutache Belt Segovia Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Panuelo Top, Chiapas Scarf, Chiapas Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Panuelo Top, Chiapas Scarf, Chiapas Hat, Trouble Maker Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Back in Black Black has long been considered essential to your wardrobe, a key shade for staples and (let’s be honest) for slimming, and we believe it should be just as indispensable to your jewelry box. Adding some black onyx to your accessories can lend a lot to your look, especially in terms of variety. For starters, it’s beautiful, and the polished cabochons provide a textural contrast to the nugget-style stones in a lot of Southwestern jewelry. It’s also inherently versatile, and a great stone for tempering down your turquoise. Plus, black onyx is thought to possess the power of positive energy, and who couldn’t use a little extra of that these days?

Chiapas Scarf, Double D Ranch Jewelry Vintage Double D Ranch Jewelry

Mazahua Earrings A signature Mexican style originally inspired by, and sometimes referred to as, Frida Khalo jewelry, the Mazahua earring is characterized by its intricacy, in its metalwork and micro-beading, often accompanied by a wide silver arc accented with dangles. Mazahua jewelry is traditionally chosen as wedding-day adornment, as it is revered among the most elegant of Mexican accessories.

Plaza Charro Jacket, Riata Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt

Hang On To Your Hats The adventures of the bandidas were nothing if not a wild ride, and this collection deserved toppers that are as over the top as they were. While the chic Chiapas Hat is more of a nod to the prim and proper Sara Sandoval with its sleek silhouette and feminine florals, the Bandidas Gambler Hat is a little more scrappy (literally) like our girl Maria. Regardless of which one you fancy (why not both?), these feisty little toppers will let the world know you’re one bad bandida!

Caminos Sinuoso Top, Chiapas Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Jimenez Dress, Chiapas Hat, Long Tall Sally Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Jimenez Dress, Chiapas Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry

El Casamiento Top, Bandidas Gambler Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry

The Charm Of Chiapas Embroidery has long been an integral part of our identity; the intricacy and elaborate nature of the embellishments on a Double D Ranch garment is part of what sets us apart. Soutache embroidery is always a favorite, with its widelyrecognizable swirling elegance, but in Maria, we also incorporated what’s known as Chiapas embroidery. The long stitches are often dovetailed with threads of slightly different hues for a gradient appearance of depth and detail to the flower petals. “The aesthetic of Chiapas embroidery is significant and pervasive throughout the Maria collection,” said Cheryl. “You’ll see it in the form of actual embroidery in several pieces, and we also translated it into a custom lightweight print that we designed into a variety of feminine silhouettes. It’s becoming somewhat hard to find true Chiapas embroidery these days, but it’s a long, looping stitch, usually in a slightly shiny or shimmery thread, in traditional floral designs. A lot of times you’ll find it on sheer or mesh fabrics, which can serve as kind of a canvas.” The stitch style takes its name from the Free and Sovereign State of Chiapas, the southernmost state of Mexico, known to be one of the country’s largest producers of handcrafted items, including textiles and embroidery.

Left: Chiapas Vest, Luciana Top, Bandit Pant, Double D Ranch Jewelry Right: Chiapas Dress, Chiapas Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Chiapas Vest, Luciana Top, Bandit Pant, Trouble Maker Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry Vintage Double D Ranch Belt

Chiapas Dress, Chiapas Hat, Long Tall Sally Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Chiapas Scarf, Trouble Maker Boot

Chiapas Dress, Chiapas Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Shells & Stones Black may be back, but color will always be king in our eyes. This vibrant shell-and-stone pairing of our longtime love (turquoise) with the often-overlooked orange spiny oyster is absolutely irresistible. And it’s not just our opinion, it’s actually science. Turquoise and orange are complementary colors, meaning they’re exact opposites on the color wheel, which makes them inherently aesthetically appealing when juxtaposed. Neat, huh?

Double D Ranch Jewelry

“I was raised to be a spoiled lady, not a renegade. One minute I think I have all the answers, and the next I am crying for a manicure.” — Sara Sandoval, Bandidas

Plaza Charro Jacket, Riata Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt

Left: Lil’ Chiquita Bird Vest, Charro Rider Top, Bandit Pant, Bandidas Gambler Hat, Stockyards Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt Right: Santa Rita Serape Eye Top, Wild West Pant, Les Gauchos Hat, Trouble Maker Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Both Pages: Santa Rita Serape Eye Top, Wild West Pant, Les Gauchos Hat Trouble Maker Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Plaza Charro Jacket, Riata Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt

Both Pages: Lil’ Chiquita Bird Vest, Charro Rider Top, Bandit Pant, Bandidas Gambler Hat, Stockyards Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt

Plaza Charro Jacket, Riata Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt

Dona Diego Jacket, Luciana Top, Bandit Pant, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Poco Loco Top, Wild West Pant, Bandidas Gambler Hat Stockyards Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Luciana Dress, Les Gauchos Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Wyatt Ranches: The Story of the Set Founded in 1965, Wyatt Ranches maintains a central focus of producing both commercial and specialty cattle. From the gatekeepers, vaqueros, and foremen, to the administrative staff and business advisors, their tenured associates have worked towards a goal of sustained growth and continued success for the past 55 years. Today, their ranches consist of four divisions in South Texas, and two divisions in West Texas. Situated in Duval, Hidalgo, Jeff Davis, Jim Wells, Kleberg, Nueces, Presidio and Starr Counties, their cattle ranches are scattered south from Corpus Christi to the Rio Grande River, and west from Marfa to Valentine, with some ranches supplemented with agricultural farming operations of corn, cotton, hay, and grain. The Board of Directors at Wyatt Ranches, as well as the Wyatt family, waste no time in acknowledging and giving credit to the ranch’s steadfast employees, many of whom have over twentyyears of tenure. “We are so grateful for their dedication and how everyone demonstrates a genuine commitment to ride for the brand,” said Lynn Wyatt, the organization’s matriarch. The ranch’s motto, “Nuestro orgullo es…Nuestra gente” means, our pride is our people - and it’s emblazoned on the tailgates of their fleet of ranch trucks to acknowledge this dedication. In addition to cattle ranching activities, Wyatt Ranches is also known for their benevolence and their commitment of giving back to the local communities. Something they are all proud to be a part of. The venues for this collection were located in South Texas, at their Tasajillo Division in Duval County, and near the small town of Realitos. Some of our collection’s photos were taken at the Tasajillo Train Depot, along the Kansas City Southern

railroad. Wyatt Ranches employees periodically gather at the depot with their families for outdoor functions, such as bar-b-ques, birthday celebrations, retirement gatherings, and for noon meals during their cattle roundups. Lately, during the Pandemic, outdoor and open-air venues have become a necessity, and hence, the depot is a popular meeting place. Local volunteer firefighters and ambulance medics also assemble at the depot for training and courtesy meals, all provided by Wyatt Ranches. Another venue we used at their Tasajillo Division was Las Ruinas, or the Ruins, where the remnants of a caliche rock structure is accented by an authentic chuck wagon, all in the middle of a huge mesquite-dotted

pasture with endless views of the South Texas brush country. Several of our collections have been shot at their cattle ranching divisions in both South and West Texas. The Giant Collection, at their Los Robles Division near Agua Dulce; and the Reata Collection, at their Little Reata Division near Marfa. Their vaqueros and rancheros, as well as their hospitality team, have all become relaxed and comfortable around us during the photo shoots. When asked about Double D Ranch, their Administrator, Bradford Wyatt, quickly admits that in addition to making new friends, he and his coworkers have gained a deep appreciation for what we do

when shooting the collections. “All the preparation, the setting up, the dedication to creativity, the thousands of photos they must take, the do-overs, all the clothes the models must quickly change in and out of,” he said. “My coworkers and I have all decided we better stick to our day jobs at the Ranches.” This catalog, as it exists, would not have been possible without the Wyatt Ranches family. Everyone associated with the organization went above and beyond to extend hospitality to our team, and after working with them for a second time, we truly consider them part of the Double D Ranch family. We cannot express how grateful we are for their continuous generosity in granting us access to their impeccably run ranches.

Brace Yourself We’re just going to come right out and say it: Suspenders are sexy. No, not on everyone and not always, but worn the right way – ay ay ay! Hear us out. Bandidas, the film that inspired much of this collection, was set in the late 1800s, i.e. the era of corsets, and in the film, they were being worn as an outer layer, as part of their outfit, rather than beneath it. It was this sexy underwear-as-outerwear trend that overtly exhibited the sultry side of the culture, as it very visibly accentuated both the waist and the bust of the wearer. Suspenders, though more subtly and somewhat tangentially, are kin to that concept. Not to mention the elegant femininity of the intricate soutache embroidery. Oh, and their structural similarity to a garter belt is certainly not lost on us. See? Sexy. And the best part is, you don’t even have to show any skin.

Charro Rider Top, Bank Teller Pant, Spanish Soutache Suspenders, Segovia Boot

Spanish Soutache Suspenders

Charro Rider Top, Bank Teller Pant, Spanish Soutache Suspenders, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Robles Tunic, Bandit Pant, Spanish Soutache Suspenders, Bandidas Gambler Hat, Long Tall Sally Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Robles Tunic, Spanish Soutache Suspenders, Bandidas Gambler Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Both pages: Spanish Soutache Tee, Bandit Pant, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Plaza Charro Jacket, Riata Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt

“Be a rebel. Be wild, child. Never settle. That’s not your style.” — Unknown

Plaza Charro Jacket, Riata Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt

Castillo, Alava Dress, Bandidas Gambler Hat, Snake Charmer Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Both pages: Carlitos Jacket, Luciana Dress, Les Gauchos Hat, Stockyards Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Plaza Charro Jacket, Riata Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt

Both pages: Charro Rider Top, Castillo, Alava Skirt, Spanish Soutache Belt, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Castillo, Alava Top, Wild West Pant, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt

Snake Charmer Boot

Santa Rita Serape Eye Top, Bandit Pant, Chiapas Hat, Quintana Roo Boot

“The question isn’t who’s going to let me, it’s who’s going to stop me.” — Ayn Rand

Plaza Charro Jacket, Riata Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt

Both Pages: Bandidas Jacket, Bandit Pant, Les Gauchos Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Plaza Charro Jacket, Riata Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt

Lil’ Chiquita Bird Vest, Robles Tunic, Bandit Pant, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Robles Tunic, Bandit Pant, Quintana Roo Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Denim Workshirt, Les Gauchos Hat, Spanish Soutache Belt, Vintage Chaps, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Plaza Charro Jacket, Riata Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt

Denim Workshirt, Les Gauchos Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt

Denim Workshirt, Les Gauchos Hat, Spanish Soutache Belt, Long Tall Sally Boots, Vintage Chaps, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Both pages: Ay! Ay! Ay! Poncho, Bandit Pant, El Paso Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Plaza Charro Jacket, Riata Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt

El Paso Boot

Denim Workshirt, Ay! Ay! Ay! Scarf, Bandit Pant, Les Gauchos Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Taming The Serape Just when we think we’ve designed serape in every way and color combination possible, a new palette strikes us, and we end up falling in love with a pattern that feels simultaneously familiar and fresh. “I’m not sure that anything Double D does falls within the traditional definition of ‘tame’,” Cheryl laughed. “But that’s kind of how we think of this colorway. Tame, by our standards. It’s not the ultra-bright and black combo of Bakersfield, it’s not the over-thetop intricacy of the Matagorda serape from our 30th anniversary fall collection; it’s more down-to-earth, and yet a little more classy at the same time.” The warm khaki base color serves as the perfect canvas for pops of poison in exquisite purples, greens, and sunset oranges. It (quite literally) weaves together the defining aspects of both our beloved bandidas; the “lady of the land” attributes of Maria Alvarez, and the elegant elements of Sara Sandoval. And best of all, this particular color combination works year-round.

Santa Rita Dress, Chiapas Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Saddlepack Jacket, Santa Rita Dress, Chiapas Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Saddlepack Jacket, Chiapas Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Santa Rita Blouse, Bandit Pant, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt

Plaza Charro Jacket, Riata Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt

Vintage Double D Ranch Belts

El Casamiento Top, Santa Rita Skirt, The Cattleman Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry

El Casamiento Top, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Betz is Back! In the world of Southwestern jewelry, few names are more well-known and few styles are more recognizable than that of Oscar Betz. “Even if you don’t realize it, you’ve seen an Oscar Betz earring,” Cheryl said. “He has a very distinct signature style of chandelier earring; I can spot one from a mile away. I still remember my first pair. I saw them at our very first trip to market in NYC in the early ‘90s, and it was one of those ‘pay the light bill or buy the earrings’ decisions – you can guess which one won.” Now one of the most respected and renowned Mezo American jewelry artists there is, Oscar Betz first emerged onto the scene in the late 1970s. He was considered one of the first to create pieces using multiple types of stones in a single piece, and he is largely credited as the inventor of the first Southwest hinged earring. Betz quickly became one of the most sought-after silversmiths of the ‘80s and ‘90s; his work was featured in galleries and movies, and worn by A-list celebrities (leading lady Liz Taylor owned many pairs), and even commissioned by Ralph Lauren. Over the decades, Betz has been often imitated but never duplicated. He exclusively uses hand-cut stones over imported polished cabochons, still hand sets every stone, and no one else has been able to recreate his lightweight chandelier style. (Believe me, even we tried.) His level of craftsmanship was untouchable and he made an indelible impact on the Southwestern jewelry scene. And then he virtually vanished. For years, he stopped producing jewelry, and for all intents and purposes, Betz was pretty much off the grid. Until a few months ago. “Audrey came to us, eyes wide and jaw dropped, holding her cell phone toward us on speaker phone,” Cheryl recalled. “She was playing us – Hedy and Mother and me – a voicemail from Oscar Betz asking if Double D Ranch would be interested in carrying his earrings. We Oscar Betz Earrings

all just stared at each other for a moment. It was surreal; we were in the midst of celebrating our 30th anniversary, and this call comes in that feels so ‘full circle’.” The conversation continued. Then, in December, Cheryl celebrated her birthday by taking a lowkey getaway with her boys to Santa Fe, which is where Betz currently resides. “Quite a twist of fate, but I, along with Mitchell and my son, Jack, spent the day with Oscar, getting to learn about him and tour his workshop, and visit with him and his wife,” Cheryl said. “Fascinating people, both of them; it was a memorable day, and again, surreal. But it fortified our decision to work together, which everyone is very excited about, on both sides.” In addition to Betz reviving his trade and his signature style of chandelier earring, he is collaborating with DDR on exclusive and extremely limited designs that will coordinate with their respective collection, each pair numbered and signed by the artist. So, prepare your pocketbooks, ladies. It’s official: Betz is back.

Poco Loco Jacket, Bandit Pant, Chiapas Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt

Poco Loco Jacket, Chiapas Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry

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Plaza Charro Jacket, Riata Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt

Double D Ranch Squash Blossom Necklace

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“I’ve been reckless, but I’m not a rebel without a cause.” — Angelina Jolie

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Plaza Charro Jacket, Riata Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt

Bandidas Top, Spanish Soutache Belt, Les Gauchos Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry

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Troublemaker Tee, Bandidas Gambler Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Trouble Maker Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry

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Luciana Dress, Long Tall Sally Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Panuelo Top, Ay! Ay! Ay! Scarf, Double D Ranch Jewelry

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Adobe Inspo From the screen-printed scenes to the styles of stitching, the Maria collection channels a vibe of Old Mexico. The same is true for the color palette. “When concepting a collection, I try to really get in a state of mind, put myself in the midst of the time and place I’m channeling, and then I draw inspiration from what I imagine is surrounding me,” Cheryl explained. “For Maria, it was that far south Texas region, the Rio Grande Valley, and Mexico; surrounded by adobe dwellings and Saltillo tile and I think the collection strongly reflects that vision.” While the shades are unique to Maria, they may have a familiar feel. “In last year’s Matagorda collection, we introduced a color called Shasta,” Cheryl said. “It was kind of a burnt orange-y color. It evolved, as colors do, for Maria, toward a slightly softer, more clay or terracotta-like shade, and in some incorporations, almost more of a coral. And then I poisoned it with a little purple.” While Maria certainly celebrates the sassy sexiness of a bold blackand-white, and of course some tans and brown leathers, it’s really more the collection’s signature shades that are likely to leave a lasting impression.

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Caminos Sinuoso Top, Wild West Skirt, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Plaza Charro Jacket, Riata Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt

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Caminos Sinuoso Top, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Blowout Shortie Boot

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Both pages: Alvarez Dress, Snake Charmer Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry

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El Casamiento Top, Saddlepack Skirt, Bandidas Gambler Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry

El Casamiento Top, Saddlepack Skirt, Bandidas Gambler Hat, Stockyards Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry

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Both pages: Viva Maria Jacket, Double D Ranch Jewelry

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Rita Blanca Dress, Four Winds Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry

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Saddlepack Jacket, Poco Loco Top, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Poco Loco Top, Trouble Maker Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry

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Santa Rita Yoga Top Santa Rita Yoga Legging

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