Pop Culture Meets the Wild West

Feature image depicts Country group, Midland whose personal styles are inspired by Vintage Western Designers.

The world of western fashion, while it has seen numerous changes over the years, was born out of necessity by the day-to-day life of the working cowboy and cowgirl. Since the 1800s, accessories that completed a cowboy’s wardrobe have acted as essential tools in protecting against the elements, more-so than expressions of one’s own individual style. Just as essential as a saddle and rope, tools such as cowboy hats have protected faces from long hours in the sun, leather chaps have protected legs from the rough brush and plants while riding on the range, and boots have protected the feet from the sharp and heavy hooves of horses and cattle. The list goes on.

Over the decades, cowboy fashion has transformed and evolved, drawing inspiration from various cultures to create the iconic cowboy looks we know today. From the iconic rhinestone suits of designers such as Nudie Cohn, to the Wrangler Blue Jeans we all know and love, cowboy fashion is constantly evolving. From vintage-inspired to avant-garde, western style is seeing a surge in popularity and expression.

Western style is nothing new in the world of fashion. Throughout the years, cowboy inspired style has found itself on high-fashion runways and in fashion publications. From fringe, to denim, to belts adorned with rhinestones, there has always been an interest in the day-to-day wear of the working cowboy. However, the world of western inspired clothing has seen a recent surge in popularity and has taken the world of pop culture by storm. Turn on your TV and you might be surprised to see some of the biggest names in Hollywood donning cowboy hats and boots.

Pop culture and the wild west have crashed headfirst and truthfully, I love it.

Pop culture has embraced the Rhinestone Cowboy and is exploring its own take on cowboy fashion. Bright colors, sparkling rhinestones, boots with pointed toes, all reminiscent of the work of Nudie Cohn, Nathan Turk, and Manuel Cuevas.

Singer, rapper and international superstar, Post Malone can be spotted wearing handcrafted suits by western designers such as Jerry Lee Atwood and Cathy Hahn.

Jennifer Lopez recently dazzled audiences in a full-rhinestoned cowgirl get-up in the music video for her recent hit, “Medicine.”

“I Like It” singer and rapper, Cardi B brought out her cowgirl side at her recent Rodeo Houston performance this past March.

Artists such as Kesha, Miley Cyrus, Kacey Musgraves, current hip-hop sensation, Lil Nas X, as well as many more, have all been exploring their own take on western-inspired fashion.

While you may not see Post Malone roping a steer anytime soon or J-Lo saddling up a horse, it is exciting to see those in the spotlight paying tribute to the western styles that have influenced their current aesthetics. Whether you prefer the comfort of a pair of Wranglers, the vintage flair of Nudie Cohn, or the completely avant-garde western style of today’s Hollywood stars, Cowboy Lifestyle Network encourages you to find your own unique Cowboy & Cowgirl Style!

Let us know what you think about today’s western-inspired trends!