Spring 2025: Cowgirl Rising
Women of the Range Jacket, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Double D Ranch Accessories
Cowgirl Rising
Captivated by both her color and composition, the Spring 2025 collection is a vibrant, joyful creative collaboration with renowned contemporary Western artist Donna Howell-Sickles.
“The first significant piece of art I ever purchased, once I had a little bit of discretionary income, was one of Donna’s paintings,” explained Creative Director Cheryl McMullen. “I still have it and I still love it. I’ve always loved her artwork; she uses strong, happy colors, and she paints strong, happy cowgirls. Naturally, that’s something that resonates with me, and I’ve wanted to capture that in a collection for a long time; this opportunity to collaborate with her gave the overall essence an angle and avenue that made sense.”
This was one of the most comprehensive collaborations we’ve ever done. The collection name, Cowgirl Rising, is borrowed from the title of the 1997 book showcasing her artwork. Donna’s paintings have been collaged into conversational prints, reworked into ponchos and scarves, and we adapted some of her backgrounds into this season’s signature scaled-up Southwestern prints. We even reimagined one of Donna’s forever favorites from her very own closet.
It’s a happy collection in every sense. It’s a creative collaboration with one of our artistic idols, yes, but it’s also bigger and bolder than that. It’s a love affair with color, a testament to courage, and an homage to the complexity and competence of cowgirls.
Women of the Range Dress, Horse Talk Boot, Oscar Betz for Double D Ranch, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Double D Ranch Accessory
Double D Ranch Jewelry
Women of the Range Dress, Oscar Betz for Double D Ranch, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Double D Ranch Accessory
Creative Collab: Donna Howell-Sickles
As a whole, her portfolio fits comfortably within the category of contemporary Western art, but there is one thing about the work of Donna Howell-Sickles that is decidedly different: women are the leading role.
“Part of what’s always been important to me was showing that Western women have more than one or two facets,” she said. “I just wanted to reflect the people I knew and grew up with. They were hard-working, they were funny, and they were competent – on all levels. They could drive a hay truck all night if they had to, or plow in an open-air tractor, and then they dressed up and looked like a million bucks when they needed to. That was the degree of confidence and competence and realness and joy that I wanted to show.”
Incidentally, joy is what is conveyed in her cowgirls, through their expressions and their activities, but also what is invariably evoked in the viewer from the use of her vibrant, playful palette.
“I think that all of us humans come a little bit hardwired for color preference. In college, even, before I was doing cowboys or cowgirls or anything Western, it was big color-filled paintings.”
Happy colors and happy cowgirls have become her signature and secured her status as a pioneer in the Western art world.
Women of the Range Top, Double D Ranch Jewelry
Horse Talk Boot
The Good Team Top, Women of the Range Skirt, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt
The Good Team Top, Mummy’s Bundle by Double D Ranch, Double D Ranch Accessory
The Good Team Top, Horse’n Around Top, Women of the Range Skirt, Long Tall Sally Boot, Horse Talk Boot, Mummy’s Bundle by Double D Ranch, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belts, Double D Ranch Accessory
Horse’n Around Top, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt
Wagon Wheels Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry
Horse’n Around Top, Wagon Wheels Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Double D Ranch Accessory
Howdy, Cowgirl! Tee, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Double D Ranch Accessory
Howdy, Cowgirl! Tee, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt, Double D Ranch Accessory
Not My First Rodeo Top, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt, Double D Ranch Accessory
Cowgirl Rising Boot
Not My First Rodeo Blouse, Sonora Short, Cowgirl Rising Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Double D Ranch Accessories
“Part of what’s always been important to me was showing that Western women have more than one or two facets. I just wanted to reflect the people I knew and grew up with. Those women were hardworking, they were funny, and they were competent – on all levels. That was the degree of confidence and competence and realness and joy that I wanted to show.”
- Donna Howell-Sickles
Cowgirl ‘til I Die Dress, Horse Talk Boot, Horse Talk Bag, Mummy’s Bundle by Double D Ranch, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Double D Ranch Accessories
Cowgirl ‘til I Die Dress, Mummy’s Bundle by Double D Ranch, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Double D Ranch Accessory
Cowgirl ‘til I Die Dress, Horse Talk Boot, Horse Talk Bag, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Double D Ranch Accessory
White Heart Beads
Sometimes it really is what’s on the inside that counts. While the vibrant red is what draws your eye to these bold beads, it’s what is at their core that sets them apart.
Formally known as Cornaline d’Aleppo, these antique Venetian trade beads were primarily crafted between the 17th and 19th centuries (though some are still made in the present day). They made their way to America via European travelers and Hudson Bay trading, where they became more commonly known as “white heart beads” due to their composition of a white glass core encased in a jacket of a more vivid color, usually red. They’re highly coveted and collectible, which means this eye candy is also an investment piece.
You’re a Sunflower Vest, You’re a Sunflower Skirt, Long Tall Sally Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Double D Ranch Accessory
Fashion as a Fine Art
There are a lot of parallels between the art of painting portraits and that of creating clothing.
Each piece is an expression of the creative mind behind it; certain creations will be magnetic to some people and make no sense at all to others; and more than anything, you want it to be perfect before you put it out into the world. In both mediums, it’s hard to overstate the extraordinary amount of time and dedication to detail that goes into their execution, from concept to creation.
“I think all creatives kind of speak the same language,” said Cheryl. “But I think unless you’re in the industry, it’s impossible to imagine the level of intricacy that goes into another’s art form. Fashion as an art form is unique in that, at least in our case, it sort of has to be a symphony; several people have to play their part exceptionally well to create something beautiful. After I concept a piece, it still has to go through so many stages to make that vision viable, down to the finishing touches of adding embellishments by hand.”
Our garments are our gallery, and every bead is a brushstroke.
You’re a Sunflower Vest, You’re a Sunflower Skirt, Oscar Betz for Double D Ranch, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Double D Ranch Accessory
Bandana Girl Dress, Rodeo Sweetheart Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry,
Double D Ranch Accessory
Bandana Girl Dress, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Double D Ranch Accessory
Bandana Girl Top, Bandana Girl Skirt, Long Tall Sally Boot,
Mummy’s Bundle by Double D Ranch, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Double D Ranch Accessory
Range Runners Dress, Long Tall Sally Boot, Oscar Betz for Double D Ranch, Double D Ranch Accessories
Range Runners Dress, Oscar Betz for Double D Ranch, Double D Ranch Accessory
Making Varsity
We’ve always said inspiration is everywhere, but when we collaborated with artist Donna Howell-Sickles, we weren’t expecting to find it in her closet.
The vision for this vibrant varsity jacket was sparked by one of Donna’s all-time favorite fashion finds: a (now vintage) red leather letter jacket she’s cherished for more than three decades.
“I still have it, and I still wear it,” she laughed, adding, “It’s probably 35 years old now, but that’s ok!”
We know what you’re probably wondering, and no, it’s not from her alma mater.
“I just loved the idea that it was a cowgirl letter jacket,” Donna said. “There was a company that used to make letter jackets for colleges and schools and all kinds of things, but I don’t know why they did this one. The patches on it are all made up – I was never a bareback rider or any of those things! Early on, I was actually reluctant to wear it because it looked like I had won something in a competition, and I haven’t – ever – been a competitive horse person. But I feel like, by now, I’ve drawn enough horses, I deserve it.”
Donna’s Varsity Jacket, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Double D Ranch Accessories
Donna’s Varsity Jacket, Love Rides the Trail Tee, Horse Talk Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt, Double D Ranch Accessories
Donna’s Varsity Jacket, Love Rides the Trail Tee, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt, Double D Ranch Accessories
Donna’s Varsity Jacket
Donna’s Varsity Jacket, Love Rides the Trail Tee, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt, Double D Ranch Accessory
Love Rides the Trail Tee, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt, Double D Ranch Accessories
Wilderado Jacket,
My Heart Belongs To Tee, Double D Ranch Jewelry,
Vintage Double D Ranch Belt, Double D Ranch Accessories
My Heart Belongs To Tee,
Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt,
Double D Ranch Accessories
Vintage Double D Ranch Belt, Double D Ranch Jewelry
My Heart Belongs To Tee, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Double D Ranch Accessories
Can Openers Top, Oscar Betz for Double D Ranch, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Double D Ranch Accessories
Howdy, Cowgirl! Jacket, Double D Ranch Jewelry
Howdy, Cowgirl! Jacket, Sonora Short, Long Tall Sally Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Double D Ranch Accessory
Howdy, Cowgirl! Jacket, Double D Ranch Jewelry
Double D Ranch Accessory
Life’s Better in Boots
Throughout her decades of painting, Donna Howell-Sickles has captured the competence and confidence of cowgirls in so many scenarios, but perhaps none speak to us so strongly as the playful portraits of trying on boots.
“It really is one of life’s little luxuries, isn’t it? Trying on boots,” said Cheryl. “I relate to these paintings to the point I can almost smell the leather. I’ve been this cowgirl, my sisters have been this cowgirl, our customers have been this cowgirl.”
The scenes resonated with us so much that we styled our shoot around them, aiming to mimic the composition and capture that same joy.
But from the artist’s perspective, it’s about more than joy – it’s about strength.
“All of the shapes and things people use on their Western wear and on their boots are symbolic,” Donna explained. “So you could get a big collection of boots and each pair would be like putting on a different piece of your armor, something else to give you strength for that day. Sometimes you have to gear up to face the world.”
You Go Gal Jacket, Oscar Betz for Double D Ranch, Wide Open Trail Boot, Cowgirl Rising Boot, Rodeo Sweetheart Boot, Wagon Wheels Boot, Blue Jean Baby Boot
Let the Sun Shine Dress, Horse Talk Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Double D Ranch Accessory
Let the Sun Shine Dress, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Double D Ranch Accessory
Let the Sun Shine Top, Cowgirl Rising Boot, Wide Open Trail Boot, Rodeo Sweetheart Boot, Wagon Wheels Boot, Blue Jean Baby Boot
Horse’n Around Jacket, Bryce Henley Top, Horse’n Around Pant, Horse Talk Boot,
Double D Ranch Accessory
Horse’n Around Jacket, Bryce Henley Top, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Double D Ranch Accessory
Spur to Valor Dress, Rhett Top, Wide Open Trails Boot, Cowgirl Rising Boot, Wagon Wheels Boot, Long Tall Sally Boot, Horse Talk Boot, Rodeo Sweetheart Boot, Blue Jean Baby Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Double D Ranch Accessory
Double D Ranch Belt, Double D Ranch Belt
Waiting on the Sun Jacket, Oscar Betz for Double D Ranch, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Double D Ranch Belt, Double D Ranch Accessory
“Joy is not an emotion that many people celebrate in art. And it’s one of the human emotions that we don’t really notice when we have it, we only notice when we don’t have it. So, I wanted the women I drew to be in their ‘now’, in their present, and know that they were indeed happy.”
- Donna Howell-Sickles
Waiting on the Sun Jacket, Oscar Betz for Double D Ranch, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Double D Ranch Accessory
Even Cowgirls Get the Blues
And we’ve never been happier about it.
As a primary color and the hue of America’s most beloved article of clothing – the blue jean – blue never really, truly leaves your wardrobe, but right now, it’s heavy on the runways and back on the racks.
Blue took a backseat during the post-pandemic ‘dopamine dressing’ days that embraced highlighter hues of neon yellows and hot pinks, and then of course, there was the year of Barbie-core, but as the pendulum swings toward a more sophisticated side of the spectrum, it’s showing up strong once again – in every shade. Expect to see an influx of navy in luxury looks (think leathers, cashmeres, coats), denims done in a lot of fresh ways, and a whole lot of lapis lazuli.
Rodeo Hand Jacket, Rodeo Hand Skirt, Long Tall Sally Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt, Double D Ranch Accessories
Rodeo Hand Skirt, Long Tall Sally Boot
Rodeo Hand Jacket, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Double D Ranch Accessories
Eye Dazzler Jacket, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Double D Ranch Accessory
Eye Dazzler Jacket, Blue Jean Baby Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Double D Ranch Accessory
Cowgirl ‘til I Die Dress, Horse Talk Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Double D Ranch Accessory
From Painting to Print
Being that her wheelhouse is in the Western realm and that she spent a handful of years living in New Mexico, it’s no surprise that Donna HowellSickles’ artwork also exhibits some strong Southwestern influence.
Several of her cowgirl scenes are set against backdrops of vibrantly painted patterns that channel traditional Navajo rug weavings, painted pueblos, or even mosaics you might fight in the Santa Fe plaza. We took that imagery and imagined it into this season’s signature print, a scaled-up Southwestern geometric in vibrant hues that are pervasive in her paintings. The print itself is timeless, and the color combination makes it seasonless, so it’s something you can wear season after season and year after year.
Fire Weaver Maxi Dress, Long Tall Sally Boot, Double D Ranch Accessory
D Ranch Jewelry
Sonora Collar, Fire Weaver Skirt, Long Tall Sally Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt, Double D Ranch Accessory
Sonora Short, Long Tall Sally Boot, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt
Fire Weaver Top, Long Tall Sally Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry
Double D Ranch Accessory, 91
Fire Weaver Dress, Long Tall Sally Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Double D Ranch Accessory
Meaning & Metaphors
You’ll see several reoccurring icons in Donna Howell-Sickles’ artwork, and none by accident., and some are her own ‘Easter eggs’ of expression.
“Symbols are a vast language,” she explained. “And an indistinct one because they mean something slightly different to everybody.”
Some are inherent allegories with long histories of human interpretation.
“A red rosebud could symbolize the perfection of femininity; that’s something that’s been around for like 3,000 years, it wasn’t just a 1950s florist with a really good P.R. campaign that made us associate women with red roses,” she said. “The white dove, that’s always been a female symbol. Some of these sound trite to us, because they’ve been used a lot, but they are, in truth, our symbols. Stars as well, either actual constellations or five-point stars. And then apples are a symbol of knowledge, and when you cut an apple open ‘sideways’, so to speak, you have that five-pointed star in there; it just reinforces inside and out, all the interconnections in the way we think.”
And others are proverbial ‘Easter eggs’ of her own inference and expression.
“For instance, I use triangle shapes,” she explained. “Three-sided structures, for one, are incredibly stable, and it’s a structure that we have used as humans within our religious thought for a very long time. There are dozens of interpretations. When I point the triangle up, I am thinking of seeking inspiration, and when I am pointing it down, it’s more of receiving inspiration; and that applies to whatever is going on in that painting, whether they’re seeking inspiration through that activity or receiving inspiration from it.”
Earth, Wind, Fire and Water Blouse, Oscar Betz for Double D Ranch, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Double D Ranch Accessory
Blue Jean Baby Boot
Earth, Wind, Fire and Water Blouse, Blue Jean Baby Boot, Oscar Betz for Double D Ranch, Double D Ranch Accessories
It’s Written in the Stars Poncho, Mummy’s Bundle by Double D Ranch, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Double D Ranch Accessory
It’s Written in the Stars Poncho, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Double D Ranch Accessory
Howdy, Cowgirl! Tee, Cowgirl Rising Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt, Double D Ranch Accessory
“You could get a big collection of boots and each pair would be like putting on a different piece of your armor, something else to give you strength for that day. Sometimes you have to gear up to face the world.”
- Donna Howell-Sickles
Cowgirl Rising Boot
A Helping Hand Tee, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt, Double D Ranch Accessories
