JOURNAL

Inside the Design Studio

The start of each season’s design session begins with the question, “What do we want to wear over the next year?” From there, Katherine and our Design Director, Jo, bring together swatches, magazine tears, and vintage references to populate a mood board. Sure enough, certain themes emerge and the sketching, design, and sampling process begins and lasts for several months. After months of fine-tuning and fittings, the result not only reflects the silhouettes, proportions, and fabrications we’re truly passionate about, but also the creative styling we see unfolding as we move through the season.

Below, Katherine, Jo, and our Senior Designer, Caity, offer a glimpse into just a few of the pieces they were most excited to design this season and the special details that brought them to life.

THE CALINDA DRESS

Undoubtedly one of the most special DÔEN Heirloom pieces we’ve designed, the Calinda Dress, inspired by a Victorian bed jacket, features an exquisite yoke punctuated by intricate lace cutwork. Rendered in a crisp, lightweight ramie, which lends the most beautiful antique hand feel, this dress hits all the high notes—bracelet-length bell sleeves, delicate ladder trim, and self-covered buttons down the back.

Rubina wears the DÔEN Calinda Dress

THE DUCCIO JACKET

With a mood board that references scenes from Love Story and ’70s Parisian tailoring, the DÔEN Heirloom Duccio Jacket represents our first foray into suiting. Made our own in an Italian wide-wale corduroy, the double-breasted jacket features an exaggerated collar, faux-leather buttons down the front, and, rather conveniently, two interior pockets. The team loves wearing the Duccio Jacket with its coordinating high-waisted Atherton Pant, but it is equally showstopping on its own as a transitional layer with silky dresses and knits.

Heloise wears the DÔEN Heirloom Duccio Jacket and Atherton Pant; Sophie wears the Finley Dress

THE FAUNA COAT

Inspired by ‘60s military liners, the Fauna is a truly functional coat, meant for cold weather and lends itself nicely to layering thanks to a roomy fit and the ability to cinch both at the waist and the hood. Available in two colorways, Olive Grove and Cinnamon Bark, the Fauna features allover quilting, a cozy faux shearling lining, and hits just above the knee.

Rubina wears the Fauna Coat with the Leighton Sweater

THE ABENA TOP

Taking cues from ’40s vintage blouses, the Abena is an update to our beloved Caspian Top from Spring 2019–now with a long, simplified sleeve—and a slightly cropped silhouette. This blouse set the tone for the Juliana, a sister silhouette we introduced this season, which has a slightly more feminine feel with covered buttons and a subtly puffed sleeve.

Heloise wears the Abena Top and the Diana Jean

From left: Jo, Caity, and Katherine