Stephanie Doucette, fashion designer and store owner, has died at the age of 52
Fashion designer and boutique owner Stephanie Doucette died Monday at the age of 52.
The founder of Douchette NYC and Petite Doucette was a popular member of the close-knit community of Cold Spring, NY. This town overlooking the Hudson River in Putnam County is often a day trip destination for city dwellers who enjoy hiking and shopping on Main Street. With less than 2,000 year-round residents, Cold Spring has a homey atmosphere and a relaxed, unhurried pace of life, making it a desirable destination for many travelers. Many locals left flowers in her memory outside her store on Main Street and gathered there Thursday, according to one store owner who requested anonymity.
A celebration of her life has not yet been finalized and will be handled by Clinton Funeral Home. Doucette's husband and family could not be reached for comment Thursday. Media inquiries to her company were not immediately confirmed.
Doucette's death was announced by her company on Instagram, writing, "Stephanie was the brightest light in this community. She brought beauty to every thing she touched in this world. Words cannot express the magnitude of this huge hole that has formed since her death. Arrangements are still being made, so news will be posted as soon as possible. In the meantime, send Mark, the children, her family and friends love, and in Stephanie's honor, dress up and give sunshine every day".
Doucette previously worked as a manager at Intermix, a multi-brand contemporary sportswear store on lower Fifth Avenue in New York City. She then founded Doucette Duvall with Annabeth Duvall. In 2009, the pair was nominated for Fashion Group International's Rising Star Award for ready-to-wear. The founders later separated and Doucette started her own company.
People's Revolution founder Kelly Cutrone said Thursday, "Everything she did was recycled. She was just a lovely, lovely woman. She was always bringing fashion to Cold Spring, which was kind of fun".
Although the designer lives in Cold Spring with her husband and children, she has been producing her collections in New York's Garment District since 2005. The company states on its website, "We know every person involved in the creation of each garment - from design to production - and compensate everyone involved fairly and with pleasure".
The sustainability-minded company specializes in buying vintage goods, stock and other leftovers to limit its carbon footprint and offers customers unique designs. It's a principle many Brooklynites and other former city dwellers who have moved to Cold Spring are said to embrace.
Doucette, who grew up in Fairfield County, Connecticut, once explained that she enjoys creating closets and encouraging people to get dressed every day. "I'm in the business of salvaging goods, so I use what's already made and look for luxurious fabrics, finishes and details, always keeping longevity in mind", she explained.
David Kimelman, co-owner of the Burkelman brand and Doucette's neighbor at the store, says that "a purposeful approach to fashion was realized and made accessible because she was such a great stylist who also knew how to design".
Kimelman says, "She knew how to make the people who wore her clothes feel special, beautiful and confident. Her vibrant personality could be seen and felt in her pieces, whether it was the bold colorful patterns on the fabrics, the playful silhouettes, or the effortlessly styled large bows".
Heidi Bender, who with her husband Michael owns another Main Street business, Split Rock Books, called Doucette" a real light in this community and a wonderful person who has always been kind and helpful". According to Bender, Doucette has been one of Split Rock Books' earliest customers since it opened six years ago and has been consistently supportive.
"She brought something really unique to Main Street. I'm not a very stylish person, but she knew how to make everyone feel beautiful and comfortable", says Bender, "Cold Spring won't be the same without her".
Photographer Alix Brown, who shot the lookbook with Doucette three years ago, recalls how much fun they had working together. "She showed me all the neighborhoods of Cold Spring. She really made that street a special place to shop for unique pieces. She had a gift for dressing you in a way that made you feel amazing".
According to Catron, Doucette is presumed to have died of a heart attack and was discovered by a postal worker delivering mail to her store. The cause of death was not immediately confirmed. In response to a media request, which was confirmed by the Putnam County coroner's office Thursday, Lorive Wilson, who serves as confidential secretary, said autopsy reports are considered confidential material in Putnam County. Therefore, they are not subject to public and media requests under New York state's Freedom of Information Law, Wilson said.
The Cold Spring Police Department's investigation into Doucette's death found no evidence of foul play, according to Cmdr. Matthew Jackson, who declined further comment. The investigation is closed.
Doucette was survived by her husband and three children. The names of her other relatives were not immediately known.