Button-Down Lowdown
Dallas fashion entrepreneurs solve pesky women's shirt problem
Jul 29, 2014 | 10:01 am
A well-fitting button-down shirt is just as essential to a woman's wardrobe as a little black dress or flattering pair of jeans. Until recently, however, men had all the luck with button-downs in general and custom shirts in particular. But Ravi Ratan and his wife, Jen, are changing that with a new custom shirting venture called Double R by Ravi Ratan.
Ratan, co-founder of Q Clothiers and Rye 51, as well as the successful Cufflinks.com, was on vacation with his wife and two daughters when he began discussing his ideas for the new brand.
"Men have been enjoying hand-tailored, expertly fit clothing for hundreds of years," he says. "But for women, who spend so much time and money yet still end up with ill-fitting garments, custom clothing has not really been accessible in an easy, non-intimidating format."
With Double R, clients can go online and choose from a variety of cuts, including the classic and contoured tailored fit; the boyfriend fit, a relaxed silhouette with a longer tail length; a sleeveless pullover with a keyhole back and longer tail; or a seasonal tunic. There are shirtdress options as well.
The garments are designed to fit perfectly — without the usual problems associated with those bought off-the-rack. "They are cut from a unique pattern that is based on each woman's unique measurements," Ratan says. "There is a snap at the bust to prevent gapping and darts through the back to flatter all."
If you prefer to do your shopping in the real world, you can make an appointment at the Travis Walk studio to review samples and discuss everything from fabric to stitching to monograms.
"Expect about 100 shirt samples to review when you come for an appointment," Ratan says. "Or you can choose from thousands of fabric swatches and select your own contrast stitching, contrast fabric, and customized monogram style and color.
"If you want to create a one-of-a-kind piece, the combinations are basically endless."
Double R also offers a powerful fit guarantee. If it doesn't fit exactly as promised, the company will make any necessary adjustments at no charge. If the shirt can't be altered, they will remake it for free.
Shirts start at $165. First-time customers living in the Dallas area are encouraged to schedule a fitting at the design studio to take advantage of the personal tailoring services offered before placing their orders.
"Jen jokes it took a wife, two daughters and three female dogs to open our eyes to women's wear," Ratan says. "In this newest venture, our mission is to offer the same tradition of fine tailoring to women that has been available to men for centuries."
Gray oxford tailored cut with white back ($225).
Photo courtesy of Double R
Shock Rockers on the Road
'Freaks' Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper parade through Dallas on 2023 tour
Photo courtesy of Rob Zombie
Rob Zombie headlines the Freaks on Parade for a second year in a row.
Shock rockers Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper have made plans for the 2023 "Freaks on Parade Tour," which will kick off in Dallas at Dos Equis Pavilion on Thursday, August 24.
Taking place over the course of one month, the tour will hit 19 cities in both the United States and Canada. The Dallas stop is the only date in Texas scheduled. Ministry and Filter will serve as supporting acts in all cities.
This is the second year for Freaks on Parade Tour, which saw Zombie team up with Mudvayne in 2022 for stops in Austin, Fort Worth, and Houston.
Both Zombie and Cooper have had long and successful careers. Zombie has released seven albums in his 25-year career, most recently 2021's The Lunar Injection Kool Aid Eclipse Conspiracy, with each reaching the top 10 on the Billboard 200 chart. Cooper has released music in seven different decades, debuting in 1969. His most recent release was 2021's Detroit Stories.
Tickets for the tour go on sale starting Friday, February 3 at 10 am on livenation.com. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning Tuesday, January 31 at 10 am until Thursday, February 2 at 10 pm through the Citi Entertainment program.
2023 FREAKS ON PARADE TOUR DATES:
Thu Aug 24 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion
Sat Aug 26 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
Sun Aug 27 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
Tue Aug 29 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
Wed Aug 30 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater
Fri Sep 01 – Tinley Park, IL – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
Sat Sep 02 – Des Moines, IA – Wells Fargo Arena
Tue Sep 05 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre
Wed Sep 06 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage
Fri Sep 08 – Scranton, PA – The Pavilion at Montage Mountain
Sat Sep 09 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
Sun Sep 10 – Hartford, CT – The XFINITY Theatre
Tue Sep 12 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
Sat Sep 16 - Englewood, CO - Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre
Tue Sep 19 – Ridgefield, WA – RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater
Wed Sep 20 – Auburn, WA – White River Amphitheatre
Fri Sep 22 – Concord, CA – Concord Pavilion
Sat Sep 23 – Anaheim, CA – Honda Center
Sun Sep 24 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
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