FOLK FORAY FAVORITES: PT. 2

Welcome back for round two of our Folk Foray Favorites! This week, we’re featuring – probably introducing for the first time – two of our newest additions to the Double D family. In addition to sharing their sweet faces and spring style, we’re sharing a little bit about who they are, where they came from, and how they got here.

Without further ado, meet “The New Kids on the Block”!

RACHEL BARLOW

Rachel joined our team about 4 months ago, bringing her charming personality and positivity to the Pattern Department. As she lovingly puts it, “My primary role is to measure and check stock to ensure it is up to our standards and sizing along with the honor of repairing customer garments. I like to say I am bringing their closet beauties back to their fullest DDR life.”

WHERE SHE CAME FROM:

“I am a US Air Force veteran that made her way to Texas through love and lots of travel. Born to a farmer and nurse in Illinois. I started sewing when I was 18 years ago by taking a quilting class. I've been hooked ever since. I have a passion for creation. I love to make beautiful things and am never afraid to learn a new skill or figure out how something works. In the DDR world, I am the go-to on all things crafty. I spend a lot of time making, repairing, or brainstorming fun things. I am an expert at refinishing train cases. I love to give new life to vintage and antique things. I feel that we honor them by letting them live a second life.”

HER PATH TO DDR:

“God brought DDR to me at the perfect time. I saw they needed a sewist and I had heard about what an amazing company they are to work for. They have been a blessing to me every day that I have been there. While it has only been 4 months, it has felt like a bond that existed long before then.”

HER FOLK FORAY FAVORITES: Palomita Top + Kaminski Cross Stitch Jacket + Rayanne Pant + Midnight Cowboy Boot

“I chose the Palomita Top because its colors are so vibrant and happy, and it pairs well with the Kaminski Jacket, which is my favorite! The top is fun and light with a flattering fit. The Kaminski jacket is such a classic beauty piece. I love the cross-stitch design; it speaks to me because I sew for a living. Everything else just accented it well. I picked my jacket first and styled it all from there.”

CLAIRE JOHANSON

Claire is a fresh face in the family who joined our Design Dream Team in February. She designs apparel, boots, and home goods, and (because no one at DDR has just one job) she also styles photoshoots alongside Cheryl. We’re thrilled to have her, and fortunately she feels the same. “I feel incredibly lucky to be a part of the DDR team. This is job *goals*!”

WHERE SHE CAME FROM:

“I was raised in the Cowboy Capital of the world, Bandera, Texas. I went to school for fashion design at the University of North Texas in Denton and lived in Dallas until getting hired at DDR. City life wasn't for me, I missed the country. I love creating, whether it's fashion, music, or my garden. Creating something from nothing makes me the happiest version of myself.”

HER PATH TO DDR:

“I grew up around DDR with family members wearing it. My heart has been set on designing western wear since the beginning. My aunt (a Double D Addict) sent me a Facebook posting about DDR hiring a new designer and I knew it would be the perfect fit. I immediately messaged Cheryl and within 30 days I had moved my entire life (boyfriend, dog, and cat included) to Victoria, Texas. I feel incredibly lucky to be working with such a wonderful team of people.”

HER FOLK FORAY FAVORITES: Alycia Vest + San Mateo Tunic

“I've had my eye on the Alycia Vest since the moment it arrived in Yoakum. The floral motif and hand-embroidered detailing reminds me of my Norwegian roots, add on the Carousel Pink velvet and it is perfect! The San Mateo Tunic was a fun option for wearing underneath the vest with its embroidered sleeves and collar peeking out beneath. Both pieces hold such special qualities and being able to combine the two was a quick recipe for joy.”