JOURNAL
The Stylist's Holiday Notebook
For as long as we can remember, we’ve been lovers of the holidays—getting dressed up during this time of year conjures a particular excitement and joy, with the anticipation of gathering with friends and family. It’s hard to say what’s more fun—designing our Holiday Collection, or the day when the samples arrive from overseas and we get to, for the first time, slip on the pieces that first began as pencil sketches under swatches of sand-washed silk, tulle, and silk organza.
Our Holiday Collection is a visual feast for the senses—a symphony of intricate embroidery, hand beading, playful faux feather accents, tiered ruffles, and sumptuous Italian velvet. There are special pieces for minimalists and maximalists alike, and so many ways to make each your own.
Our team had a ball shooting the collection in New York at iconic landmarks that always evoke a sweet sense of nostalgia—from the steps of the Met to Central Park’s Bethesda Fountain, we hope these locations inspire a sense of wanderlust during this magical time of year.
Hints of Shimmer
Dial up the glamour with hints of shimmer and shine, depending on what the invite calls for. Threads of metallic lurex dance across two of our favorite styles this season, the DÔEN Heirloom Videya Dress and the Madeira Top, both lovingly hand-crocheted in Peru. Meanwhile, the subtle sparkle of the handknit Estrella Pullover—which, when paired with the inky Shep or Lady Jean, works just as well for daytime—lends an air of festivity.
Velvets
Decadent velvets appear throughout the collection—from mix-and-match separates in Black and Rosso like the Alondra Blouse with its voluminous sleeves, the high-waisted DÔEN Heirloom Claude Short and Pontoise Pant, and playful ‘60s- inspired mini dresses like the ruffled DÔEN Heirloom Franique and mock-neck Chantilly—both of which we love to pair with sheer or polka-dot tights from Wolford.
Fête-Ready Dresses
The holidays call for a statement-making dress that’s sure to be a dance-floor partner. Our new Holiday collection offers several floor-sweeping beauties—many of which are extra-special DÔEN Heirloom styles—like the colorful silk-and-gold-lurex Aimee Dress, with its ruched bodice and tiered ruffled skirt, the organza-and-tulle Celestia, and the Luciana—an embroidered and hand-beaded sheer confection accented with feathers. We opted to keep styling simple, letting these occasion dresses speak for themselves—throwing on a Woodland Coat or Carmel Jacket for the to-and-from.
The Finishing Touches
When it comes to special occasions, finishing touches—like velvet and satin mules, patent leather Mary Janes, or the lace-up Dasha Boot—add a welcome pop of color and texture to any look. We’re particularly excited about the new Senna Bow Belt, which can be added to the Luciana or Celestia for a decadent touch—while the velvet Leonie Headband in black or scarlet effortlessly pulls a look together. New DÔEN Heirloom evening bags—including the embroidered Arles (which conveniently matches the Luciana Dress and Luz Top), the rhinestone-embellished Frida Pochette, and the Isabelle Bag in an deep scarlet velvet— are wear-forever treasures that are sure to complement your evening-out repertoire year-round.
In Full Transparency
While our styling team loves using high-waisted briefs from ARQ for a peek-a-boo moment, we’ve always offered a selection of long and short viscose slips in easy-to-wear skin-colored hues for those who are looking for a bit more coverage; available in a v-neck or a scoop neck. This holiday, we styled the Celestia and Constellation Dresses with a nude slip—though you can also pair with black underpinnings for a bolder look.
The DÔEN Delicates launch marks our first foray into vintage-inspired lingerie, with more to come this spring. The collection includes the Effie Cami, the Lucie Bralette, and Lyda Brief in shades of Oyster, Primrose, and Walnut—all of which match back beautifully to pieces in our Fall collection—in the softest silk-satin with a hint of stretch. We love the Lucie Bralette under a cardigan for just a little hint of sexiness but of course, they’ll also feel right at home worn as underpinnings or loungewear.