Published by Vanessa Brunner under Clothing, Designers

Doucette Duvall was born on a fire escape on Mulberry Street in New York City. Neighbors Annet Duvall and Stephanie Doucette shared a love of style, fashion–and as they love to call her–”Madame Earth.”  On Valentine’s Day 2005, the pair launched their line of simple yet glamorous dresses and coats.

In order to avoid the ghastly carbon footprint that comes with so many beginning fashion labels, Doucette Duvall produces their entire line in the historic garment district of New York City, uses pre-existing fabric and trim, gets rids of extra garment bags and tags, and ships in all recycled boxes.

When asked who their customer is on their website, the pair provides the following response:

She is witty, confident, smart, independent, a risk taker and not a follower, in love with life and respectful of Madame Earth.  Her style is devil-may-care… downtown chic combined with an unabashed flair to mix patterns/prints/textures in a freshly unique way.

Sounds like a fabulous way to live.

Q & A:

What inspires your line?

Usually a soon-to-be-rescued fabric…

It could be a found treasure while thrifting…

Or even something from our mom’s closet….

How did you get started in fashion?

I think a love for fashion is genetic.  It has to be in the bloodline somehow…

Our grandmothers, moms, aunties, etc are who led us into this business.

What about your line is Eco-Friendly?

We make a genuine and concerted effort to ensure that 75% or more of collection is created from pre-existing materials. This means everything from self to trim (hence, our “rescued’” goods philosophy).

This really lightens our footprint, since we are rarely ordering materials made abroad and thus, saving would-be resources used to make and ship those goods.

In addition, we manufacture everything here in NYC.  Again, fewer resources needed, plus we’re employing skilled labor right here in our fair city.

Why do you think it is important for fashion to start implementing green practices?

Fashion is a fundamental in most peoples’ lives.   You don’t have to read Vogue to acknowledge that we all get dressed, go to work, and present ourselves in a way that is in some respect, thoughtful and indicative of who we are.

Given the significance of this industry, we need to light the path toward a shift in perspective.

We all need to consider:

*Quality goods vs. disposable goods

*Stateside production vs. overseas manufacturing

*Valued employees/companies who really care vs. unknown working conditions

Environmentally, what is a high priority for you as a designer?

Sewing local.

Breathing new life into existing materials.

What new things are in store for Doucette Duvall?

We’ve recently embarked on the world of separates!

Trés coolio.

We started wearing our separates more than our dresses, so it was a very natural progression.

Generally, separates allow for more creativity when getting dressed, and I think we definitely needed that outlet this season.

What would you say is your personal style? Do you think that this comes across in your line?

Color. Print. Utility. Unexpected. Comfort. Indulgent. Light.

All of this represents who Doucette Duvall is, how we dress, and what we make.

What are three things every woman should have in her wardrobe?

1. Fantastic denim

2. A perfect white blouse that works w/everything

3. lgd (little green dress, by Doucette Duvall of course!  As a reminder of our commitment to Madame Earth)

For more on Doucette Duvall, visit their website at www.doucetteduvall.com