TACK-TILE INFLUENCE

Everyone is shaped by what they see and are surrounded by, in some way, for better or for worse. Creatives, especially, draw from a well within; writers write what they know, artists paint what they see, and unsurprisingly, designers are no different.

“Horse races were a key component of our childhood,” said Creative Director Cheryl McMullen. “We were seemingly at one every weekend. But whereas I think my sisters could tell you all about the stables and the winner’s circles, my mental snapshots of that time in our lives were of the garments and gear – on humans and horses! I remember the silks, the ladies dripping in turquoise at the All American Futurity, and the tack – we were always surrounded by tack. I think that influence is evident in Double D designs, the heavy presence of leather and hardware.”

Leather is inarguably a staple and a signature of the brand, and embellishments are our calling card. Studding shows up strong – particularly in this collection, but it’s always a factor – and one can’t help but draw the connection.

“When your nose is to the grindstone, you don’t often zoom out and assess the inherent influences, but with a collective 30-plus years of designs to look back on, you see what your constants are, the aesthetic elements of your identity as a designer and a brand. Given the gift of hindsight, I think it’s just another way Daddy is imprinted on us and almost everything we do.”