doucette story
Certainly always inspired by vintage, but with a consistent intention to design a more timeless than time-capsule wardrobe for girls today -- Founder, Stephanie, has always been committed to minimizing industry waste in two very focused ways:
1. to manufacture exclusively in New York City while utilizing existing fabrics & trimmings ( *rescued goods)
2. to create those go-the-distance pieces a gal can't live without, nor will she discard -- marrying truth, freedom, and choice in each garment.
Yes. Choice. She wants you to think about where your clothes come from and where they are going.
Each collection begins with the pursuit of fabrications that evoke emotion and allow Doucette to tell a story. Vintage fabrics are most desired and therefore hunted.
"Longevity is a requirement", Doucette says of her fabric selects. “It's the foundation of each ‘sure thing’ piece that will remain at arm's reach in one's closet.” Trims and buttons are also chased down and rescued, which adds to the character of each personalized garment.
While most contemporary designers wouldn’t dream of adding production costs for silk linings and french seams, Doucette pieces are rarely found without them. Pockets too are often silk-lined, (though silk-velvet is more likely in cooler months), and they are always deep enough to be functional. These little luxuries will often be personalized for each garment as well. Next-level delights for the lucky custy.
Reliant on instinct and personal desires when it comes to silhouettes for Doucette, Stephanie is usually oblivious to trends.
Instead, she focuses the collections on the customer and her lifestyle.
Since fabric finds are limited, she only makes as many pieces as the specialty fabric allows.
Each tag is labeled like artwork, so you know exactly how many pieces were made and which number you have based on the order it was completed.
She will not reproduce a fabrication for sales purposes, as that opposes her commitment to lightening her carbon footprint. As Stephanie says, "her stiletto print." This, in turn, pretty much guarantees you won't run into someone wearing your dress.
Doucette debuted holiday 2012. The designer has always loved shopping holiday and resort collections due to their specialty nature and the excitement surrounding these collections.
Currently only available at Swing.
Petite Doucette story:
Petite Doucette is a nod to its “mother” line, Doucette, this jewel-box collection of special pieces for kids are meant to be passed on to siblings and friends for two reasons: they last and kids want to wear them.
Tutus and bloomers, reversible vests and dresses, capelets and jackets -- the collections are very focused and filled with details for days. She never overlooks the importance of pockets, hoods, patches, or twirling...
All samples are fit on the designers’ kiddos and washed by mom herself to guarantee comfort and easy fabric care. And those fit model’s do let her know if she’s missed something...
Keep an eye out for coordinating looks for grown-ups and their littles -- when fabrications and/or silhouettes are shared.
All Petite Doucette pieces are made from *rescued fabrics, of course.
Made in nyc or cold spring in limited quantities, as always.