Willie's Picnic, Double D Ranch's 2020 Summer Holiday Collection

Country Calling: Willie’s Picnic, Summer 2020

A Long Line of Outlaws They say scent is the strongest tie to a memory, but we’d be willing to bet that music is a close second.

Who among us who hasn’t heard a particular song or played a particular album and been instantly transported back to a time, place, or feeling?

For the Double D Ranch family, one of those “take me back” albums is Wanted! The Outlaws, a compilation album by Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Jessi Colter, and Tompall Glaser.

“Daddy Doug wore that album OUT,” said Cheryl McMullen, the oldest McMullen sister and designer for Double D Ranch. “Every road trip, every summer. It was the soundtrack of our childhood summers.”

“I could and still can sing every lyric to every song on that album,” said baby sister and DDR CEO, Audrey Franz. “We traveled unknown roads in an RV and Daddy ripped hubcaps off the wheels driving way too close to the mountains, but we sang and sang and sang.”

“Well first off, it was an 8-track tape, like all of our music back then,” said Hedy Carter, middle sister and DDR Director of Production. “Dad played this tape like it was our religion. I loved the Outlaws album -- still do -- it’s my kind of music. It takes me back to those days with my parents and sisters on road trips.

Daddy would belt this tape from Texas to Colorado and back. One summer, when we were teenagers, Cheryl had a boyfriend who had blue eyes. Everytime Jessi Colter would sing ‘I’m lookin’ for Blue Eyes, has anybody seen him?’ Dad would crank it up and we would all teasingly sing along. Cheryl didn’t find this amusing. Of course I loved it, because for once the joke wasn’t on me. The saying is true that the song remembers when.”

So when it comes time to design our summer collections every year, the spirit of those long ago summers always comes through — bandanas and denim and a whole lot of Americana.

Double D Ranch will never shy away from its patriotism or love for classic outlaw country music, and it’s an honor to pay homage to them both with this summer’s Willie’s Picnic collection.

Let’s get red, white, and beautiful.

Cover: One Nation Vest, I’m with the Band Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry This Spread: One Nation Vest, Sealy Shorts, Shotgun Willie Tee, Uncle Sam’s Pant, Picnic Bandana Scarf, I’m With the Band Hat, Bakersfield Boot, Little Joe Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry

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One Nation Vest, Sealy Shorts, Shotgun Willie Tee, Uncle Sam’s Pant, I’m With the Band Hat, Bakersfield Boot, Little Joe Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Balcones Concho Belt

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This Page: Shotgun Willie Tee, Double D Ranch Jewelry Opposite Page: Shotgun Willie Tee, Uncle Sam’s Pant, Picnic Bandana Scarf, Little Joe Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Balcones Concho Belt

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Willie’s Picnic Top, Double D Ranch Cap, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Willie’s Picnic Top, Coyote Moon Boot, Double D Ranch Cap, Double D Ranch Jewelry

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Bakersfield Boot, Little Joe Boot

This Page: Picnic Hitcher Tee, Sealy Shorts, Code of the West Hat, Bakersfield Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt Opposite Page: Picnic Hitcher Tee, Code of the West Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry

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Declaration Sock, Bakersfield Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry

July Bandana Top Double D Ranch Jewelry

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Dripping Springs Vest, Hard Times Top, Hard Times Jean, Picnic Bandana Dress, Double D Ranch Cap, Code of the West Hat, Little Joe Boot, Bakersfield Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt

Dripping Springs Vest, Hard Times Top, Hard Times Jean, Double D Ranch Cap, Double D Ranch Jewelry

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This Page: Picnic Bandana Top, Double D Ranch Jewelry Opposite Page: Cass Boot

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On the Road Again Dress, Doodle Dandy Jacket, Doodle Dandy Jean, Doodle Dandy Scarf, Cass Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Let’s go to Luckenbach, Texas...

Unlike anywhere else on earth, Luckenbach is a tiny town with a big personality and an almost unbelievable history.

“Town” is a term used loosely. It’s just over 9 acres of an unincorporated community, whose post office and zip code were retired nearly 50 years ago. It currently consists of a souvenir shop and saloon combo, and the legendary dance hall, where many an outlaw country music singer have performed -- and where one, Jerry Jeff Walker, even got married, with the owner of the town, Hondo Crouch, as his best man.

That’s right – owner of the town. Honestly, we didn’t know you could do that, but in 1970, Hondo along with his partners Guich Kook and Kathy Morgan, responded to an ad in the newspaper touting “Town for Sale”, and purchased Luckenbach, Texas for $30,000.

When asked why he bought the town, Hondo would often respond, “Dallas was not for sale. Besides, the American way is to start small and work your way up.”

Hondo is universally described as charming, colorful, and one-of-a kind – even magical. He was known for appointing the townspeople to arbitrary governmental positions, like declaring himself Mayor, and titling a sheriff and a “Minister of Foreign Affairs”.

Ironically, the larger-than-life character who is the one widely credited with building the legendary little community into what it is, passed away the year before Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson released the country classic, “Luckenbach, Texas”, that made the town famous. (We listened to that song incessantly growing up, and when we were deciding on a locale to photograph this collection, the idea hit us simultaneously, and we sang in sync, “Let’s go to Luckenbach, Texas…”)

Hondo may be gone, but the spirit he infused into Luckenbach remains.

Live music and lively people, and a ubiquitous sense of belonging. As the saying goes, everybody’s somebody in Luckenbach.

Credit to LuckenbachTexas.com, an integral resource in our research that taught us a great deal about the history and folklore of the town.

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This Page: On the Road Again Dress, Doodle Dandy Jacket, Doodle Dandy Jean, Doodle Dandy Scarf, Double D Ranch Jewelry Opposite Page: On the Road Again Dress, Doodle Dandy Jacket, Doodle Dandy Jean, Doodle Dandy Scarf, Cass Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt

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Both Pages: Doodle Dandy Jacket, Doodle Dandy Jean, Doodle Dandy Scarf, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt

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Both Pages: Doodle Dandy Dress, City Slicker Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry

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Chip Off the Old Block Chip inlay pieces are among some of the most intricate and awe-inspiring in all of Native American craftsmanship.

Turns out, it’s a bit of a family trade. While many other artisans have since adopted the craft and put their own signature spin on it, it is widely agreed that this method of using tiny chips of stone (that would’ve been discarded as unusable) and arranging them in a pattern carved in silver and setting them with resin was a technique originally developed by the Singer family.

The technique was developed by Navajo artisan Tommy Singer in the early 1960s (so don’t believe a dealer that tries to sell you on it predating mid-century – chip inlay is only as old as epoxy resin). He experimented with several methods of setting the chips in place before perfecting it with resin, and then he taught the technique to his brothers, Charlie and William. Charlie taught it to his wife, Lena, and then passed it on to their son, Clifton.

I guess you could say, they’re just carryin’ on an old family tradition.

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Vintage Double D Ranch Belts

This Page: Doodle Dandy Scarf Opposite Page: On the Road Again Dress, Cass Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry

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Cass Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry

July Bandana Tank, City Slicker Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry

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“Between the Hank Williams’ pain songs and Newbury’s train songs and ‘Blue Eyes Cryin’ in the Rain’, out in Luckenbach, Texas, ain’t nobody feelin’ no pain...”

- Willie Nelson & Waylon Jennings

Double D Ranch Jewelry

America to Me Tank, Sealy Shorts, I’m With the Band Hat, Little Joe Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Doodle Dandy We don’t chase every trend that hits the runway – only the ones that speak to us, that feel genuinely Double D Ranch. And boy, did this one ever speak to Cheryl.

You probably don’t know this about our designer, Cheryl McMullen, but she is a grade-A doodler. By the end of any meeting, she’ll have a list of things to do, all completely surrounded by flowers or paisleys or some image that just came to her that she wants to put on a scarf.

When we started to see this rising presence of doodled-on denim, it was a no-brainer to decide, “Yeah, we gotta do that.” The trend of doodled-on attire originally dates back to the early 1900s, with students of Purdue University drawing on their corduroys, skirts, and caps, denoting everything from their class year to their club membership, and sometimes just inside jokes or a nod to the university.

The garments became wearable works of art and badges of honor, and actually, pretty visually appealing. Its presence in fashion has waxed and waned, but sartorial sketching is currently back on the runways.

Of course, we had to put our Double D spin on it. In our own Doodle Dandy collection, we drew motifs that are both authentic and important to us – Americana, all things cowgirl, and Native American. We put it on summery white fabrics, and opted for muted retro colors – blue-greys and rusty reds – rather than stark, in-your-face red, white, and blue. We decided to call the print Doodle Dandy; it was something that just kind of rolled off our tongue, and felt perfectly patriotic for this summer collection.

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Doodle Dandy Workshirt, Little Joe Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt

Little Joe Boot

Doodle Dandy Workshirt, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Double D Ranch Jewelry

Shotgun Willie Tee, Balcones Belt

Both Pages: Balcones Blanket Tank, Sealy Shorts, Double D Ranch Jewelry

American Spirit The eagle. The stars and stripes.

The red, white, and blue.

Americana has been a staple of Double D Ranch – particularly our summer collections – for nearly 30 years now. Back in 1991, we designed our first line packed with patriotism, unapologetically putting our love for the USA on display. That collection birthed our first Flag Jacket – an iconic denim jacket with the stars and stripes boldly appliqued on the back, made up of strips of hand-dyed wool. It was a classic then, and it’s a collector now. We have reimagined that forever-favorite for this summer, in a lighter denim wash and with accents of mock-mending stitch work that we’ve been loving this season.

The American spirit permeates the entire Willie’s Picnic collection. You will see subtle sketches of USA in our Doodle Dandy prints, the pervasive presence of the patriotic color scheme, and the obvious nods to Old Glory – seen in everything from belts to beads and even the jewelry.

Americana is evergreen, and patriotism never goes out of style. God bless America.

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Austin Tank, Double D Ranch Jewelry

“Only in America, Dreamin’ in red white and blue.

Only in America, Where we dream as big as we want to.”

- Brooks & Dunn

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Plaza Charro Jacket, Riata Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Flag Jacket Double for 30, Double D Belt Ranch Jewelry Vintage D Ranch

Heritage Head Top, Little Joe Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Double D Ranch Jewelry

This Page: Declaration Tee, Wildcatter Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry Opposite Page: Declaration Tee, Wildcatter Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt

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Heartland Cross Top, Declaration Tee, Declaration Scarf, Wildcatter Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry

“I like Texas, ain’t it fine here?

I like to pick my guitar down in Luckenbach, and drink that Shiner Bock beer...”

- Pat Green 54

Heartland Cross Top, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Double D Ranch Jewelry

Willie’s Picnic Top, Double D Ranch Jewelry

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Little Joe Boot

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Picnic Playlist Fire up the grill and crank up the volume!

There are some songs that everyone seems to know, yet no one remembers learning. We’ve compiled a list of outlaw singalong songs from some of the usual suspects -- everyone from Willie Nelson to Tanya Tucker.

Luckenbach, Texas - Waylon Jennings Sangria Wine - Jerry Jeff Walker When I Die - Tanya Tucker Road Goes On Forever - Robert Earl Keen Suspicious Minds - Elvis Presley Texas Women - Hank Williams Jr. Feelin’ Good Again - Robert Earl Keen Amarillo Highway - Terry Allen Southbound 35 - Pat Green You Never Even Called Me by My Name - David Allan Coe

Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys - Willie Nelson

If That Ain’t Country - David Allan Coe I’m Not Lisa - Jessi Colter Bloody Mary Morning - Willie Nelson If Heaven Ain’t a Lot Like Dixie - Hank Williams Jr. Good Hearted Woman - Waylon Jennings & Willie Nelson I Like Texas - Pat Green Whiskey River - Willie Nelson Family Tradition - Hank Williams Jr. Sweet Home Alabama - Lynyrd Skynyrd

Claudeen’s Rodeo Dress, Double D Ranch Jewelry

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The Bargain Store Top, Bakersfield Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Claudeen’s Rodeo Dress, Double D Ranch Jewelry

Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt

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Willie’s Picnic [We have to confess, we’ve never actually attended Willie’s Fourth of July Picnic ourselves. But with the number of times we sang along to the Outlaws album, it kind of felt like we had our own in that RV every summer.]

Willie Nelson is an iconic image in Americana, and through his historic and wildly popular annual music festival, he was a pioneer who paved the way for country music events and collaborations of like-minded musicians.

The first annual Willie’s Fourth of July Picnic was held in 1973 in Dripping Springs, Texas. Willie had been inspired by the grossly under-attended Dripping Springs Reunion event he played at the Hurlbut Ranch the year before. While that festival was a bit of a flop due to poor promotion, it sparked the idea for Willie that he could gather some of his fellow musicians and friends and put on a three-day festival over Independence Day. (Fitting, because we’re not sure if it’s his signature red-and-white bandana or his denim jacket, but somehow, Willie just screams US of A.) The Picnic was initially well-received and well-attended, reaching an estimated 80,000 attendees. But it wasn’t long before the wild Willie fest caught a bit of a bad rap. Toward the late ‘70s the festival struggled to find venues willing to host the event because it was developing a reputation that it wasn’t safe for concert goers. (Somewhat unsurprising – it’s tens of thousands of outlaws!) They soon rectified the situation by beefing up security and fencing in the festival. Their image was restored and they were welcomed back to the Lone Star State. All but three of the annual events have been hosted in Texas, with most of the 1990s being held in Luckenbach and most of the early 2000s taking place at Billy Bob’s in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards.

It’s uncertain what social distancing will mean for Willie’s Picnic in 2020, but we imagine that even if it’s virtually, the party will go on. Where there’s a Willie, there’s a way.

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Heritage Head Jacket, Hard Times Shirt, Hard Times Skirt, Stockyards Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Plains Flag Belt

Plains Flag Belt

Heritage Head Jacket, Hard Times Skirt, Old Pawn Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry

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This Page: America to Me Top, Sealy Shorts, City Slicker Hat, Little Joe Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry Opposite Page: America to Me Top, City Slicker Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry Back Cover: Double D Ranch Jewelry

doubledranch.com 800 . 899 .3379 Since 1989

We’d like to thank the people of Luckenbach, Texas and the Crouch family for their hospitality.