Alliterative design duo Doucette Duvall’s Spring 2009 presentation, “Red, White & Nude” was delightful and unexpected. The pair showed an edited collection of sixteen looks at Christie’s in Rockefeller Center. The informal presentation of youthful, playful, and spirited ensembles juxtaposed against the background of fine art, contemporary paintings, and estate jewelry was a clever dichotomy. Ensconced in the intimate setting of a private banquet room at New York’s premier auction house, the venue served as a lovely backdrop on a dreary rainy day. And while into every fashion life, a little rain must fall; inside the forecast was bright and sunny with romantic florals and innocent ginghams.

I stepped off the elevator and into a 1950’s Pleasantville-style parlor with Patsy Cline serenading overhead. Like a slice of Americana sartorially served up, but not with classic preppy sportswear; this was a bit kitschier. Even the hors d’oeuvres were a patriotic salute with miniature individual servings of hamburgers, French fries, milkshakes, brownies, and mac ‘n’ cheese! Models were lined up around the perimeter of the room, with a path of Granny Smith apples outlining the human installation. It doesn’t get more American than green apples! My favorite pieces from the ebullient collection included: a lovely sea foam green backless dress with cascading rosettes down the left shoulder; the white silk stars and stripes dress; a yellow and white top with tiered sleeves layered under a classic Macintosh raincoat; and a bright pink and white dress secured with a ladylike blouson necktie.

According to the company website, Stephanie Doucette and Annebet Duvall met in March 2003 as neighbors in Manhattan's Little Italy, where they chit-chatted on their Mulberry Street fire escape. A few years later, on Valentine's Day 2005, the pair launched Doucette Duvall, a womenswear line that sought to fill a fashion void in their own wardrobes. Their whimsical yet timeless designs embodied the wit and elegance of their mothers, grandmothers and aunties. And like the women who influenced their fashion style, the designers strongly encourage the personal interpretation of each piece.

Doucette Duvall practices environmental and social responsibility by manufacturing the entire collection in New York City's historic garment district, using pre-existing fabric and trim, shunning extraneous garment bags and hang tags, and shipping in recycled boxes only. Look for the "little green dress" in each collection as a reminder of their commitment to Mother Earth. A portion of the proceeds from LGD sales are donated to the non-profit group, Build it Green, who share a similar reuse ideal.

The presentation had a prominent political message, with “Vote for Obama” pins and voter registration forms placed on the buffet and entry table; these designing women were doing their civic duty, showing their support for the Illinois Senator and presidential nominee. “Given the current, delicate state of our nation, we felt a pull to embrace this election year and encourage gals from east to west to: 1. View this collection through an optimistic, endearing American lifestyle kind-of-lens. Think: prom-nights, unedited expression, and sincere compassion 2. Vote! Pick a side and enjoy the process of election. Apathy sucks.”

 
Waxing nostalgic in the Doucette Duvall Spring 2009 Collection were two camps: the stateside group which featured romantic dresses, floral prints, ball skirts, and delicate rosettes; the second vignette emulated warm springtime prom nights via a confection of bright dresses with tiered layers, ruffled sleeves, and corsage pins. The two elements intertwined seamlessly with a wink and a nod to the yesteryear messages of hope, optimism, and idealism of a bygone era while looking forward with a contemporary manifesto, challenging the fashion-conscious to listen to, voice, and exercise their political conscience! Who knew politics could be so fashionable?

Images provided courtesy of Doucette Duvall.

Doucette Duvall is selectively distributed in fine and specialty boutiques throughout the United States and abroad.

For a stock list and additional information, please visit http://www.doucetteduvall.com/

For more information on Build it Green, please visit: http://www.bignyc.org./frontpage

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