RIDING HIGH

AS YOU MAY HAVE NOTICED, THE FASHION WORLD HAS GONE WESTERN. PHARRELL WILLIAMS, THE CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF MENSWEAR FOR LOUIS VUITTON,

UNVEILED A FALL 2024 COLLECTION THAT IS DRENCHED IN WESTERN FASHION. MODELS ON THE RUNWAY WORE CHAPS, BOOTS, FRINGE, BELTS, AND OTHER LEATHER ACCESSORIES FROM THE COLLECTION. ACTORS AND ACTRESSES HAVE ALSO BEEN SEEN ON THE RED CARPET AND AT VARIOUS EVENTS

SPORTING WESTERN-THEMED CLOTHING. AT RALPH LAUREN'S DECEMBER RUNWAY SHOW, JENNIFER LOPEZ DONNED WESTERN-INSPIRED CLOTHING,

WHILE KERRY WASHINGTON ALSO WORE A WESTERN-INSPIRED ENSEMBLE AT ELLE'S WOMEN IN HOLLYWOOD CELEBRATION IN LOS ANGELES. 

Fashion brands such as Miu Miu, Prada, and Brioni have turned their focus to the West for their 2024 collections, alongside names like Paul Stuart, Celine by Hedi Slimane, and Brunello Cucinelli to name a few. But where did this surge of equestrian chic come from? A good bet is that the cultural phenomenon of Yellowstone and the growing popularity of country music have fueled the revival of this timeless aesthetic. Rhea Scott Follett, founder of CR Ranchwear, believes designers will continue to ride the Western wave through Fall/Winter 2025. “When Ralph Lauren does Western, it has a certain feel I love,” Follett shares. “But what’s exciting is seeing how other designers bring their own fresh take to this rugged yet glamorous style.” 

Looking back at its roots, equestrian chic has always been more than just a passing trend. The Cowboy Core aesthetic stems from the practical, resilient attire of the American West, originally designed to endure the frontier's tough conditions. Over time, these functional outfits transformed into enduring fashion statements. Icons like Dolly Parton have kept the Western spirit alive, combining vintage details like sequined Stetsons and rhinestone guitars with a modern twist. Labels like Ralph Lauren, especially in the '90s, have long drawn inspiration from this rugged Americana, incorpo- rating fringe, leather, and denim into their collections.

Cowboy Core’s influence extends beyond the runway to film. The rebellious adventure in Thelma and Louise (1991) was embodied in their Western-inspired wardrobes, while Brad Pitt's cowboy aesthet- ic in the movie helped solidify its place in pop culture. Today, this style is thriving, fueled by music's biggest stars. Beyoncé’s recently released eighth studio album Cowboy Carter, which pays homage to her Houston roots, features collaborations with icons like Willie Nelson, Miley Cyrus, and Dolly Parton. The album's standout? A reimagined version of Parton’s classic “Jolene.” 

Although Equestrian chic appears to be making a major comeback, it is evident that this trend has never truly gone out of style. Its authenticity, which appeals to both designers and customers, is the reason for its lasting success. Whether in music, movies, or fashion, equestrian chic continues to be a representation of liberty, uniqueness, and classic allure.